96 - Too Old To Drive?

[naomi24]

//A 96-year-old has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing the death of a woman by dangerous driving.// 

 

https://news.sky.com/story/woman-96-sentenced-for-causing-death-by-dangerous-driving-13225150

[bhg481]

A simple thing to introduce is that every driving licence renewal is accompanied by an eye-test certificate less than a year old. Since nearly everybody has to renew their licence every 10 years and over-70s every 3 years it would catch most people. The only exceptions (I think) would be the few people hanging on to their paper licence.

[davebro3]

think I'll open an opticians...

[furrypusscat]

It isn't just down to eyesight.

Reflexes aren't as good.

Chance of stroke or heart attack are more likely.

Mobility of neck movements are often restricted so turning the head isn't as easy.

How many times do you read that when driving an automatic car someone mistakenly hit the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.  It happens all too often.

Yes it takes away the person's freedom but that surely is better than injuring or in this case killing an innocent person.

[nicebloke1]

Reading the link I can't see how they arrive at dangerous driving? more like careless driving. But I dare say if someone dies the book has to be seen to be thrown at them to a degree.

[barry1010]

Field of vision test is very good for detecting poor reflexes. 

[bhg481]

barry - true; the eyesight test can pick up several problems as well as poor vision - brain tumours and diabetes are just two of them.

[Canary42]

You're right furrypusscat, it's more than sight. In my late Seventies I certainly had reduced head mobility for looking back over my shoulder when pulling away. Also I delibertaely drove more slowly because I assumed my reflexes were slowing (although not apparent at all, which of course is half the problem). Unfortunately slower drivers ignite road rage in boy racers (of all ages).

Ironically my sight problem which led to my ban was identified in my annual eye test - but because it only involves peripheral vision, I could still pass the police roadside test if required.

[bhg481]

A few years ago when I was having an eye test the young optician told me of a lady she'd just tested and that she shouldn't drive without glasses. The lady was too vain to wear them and just picked her cars keys up to drive home. The optician was quite upset about it "and I couldn't do anything about it because of confidentiality rules". Apparently they can and should report such cases to the DVLA.

[netibiza]

I passed my spanish driving test when I was 45 and every 5 years I had to do a virtual test and medical. Seems the right thing to do.  I'm nearly 80 now and have just sold my car as don't need it but I still have my licence which I intend to keep while I can. I also plan on practising on Mr Ns new Peugeot for emergencies. But think oldies need to be retested regularly 

[nicebloke1]

Reduced head mobility? The latter shouldn't make any difference at all if using wing mirrors and interior mirror, even when reversing.

[bhg481]

Reversing my current car (Volvo V70) is just about impossible without using the mirrors. The thickness of the centre pillars (with air-bags in them ) means that looking over my shoulder is a waste of time. I think that modern cars have so many safety measures built in that you are safer when you have an accident but also much more likely to have one because of the reduced visibilty the driver has.

[Henry1865]

I gave up driving 5 years ago when I was 85 and despite feeling competent and in good health, I reckoned I'd hung on too long anyway as I know 2 elderly people who'd had acccidents involving serious injury to other people.

It's a great inconvenience and it's not long before, "I'll just pop out to ... ", but you cannot, so it's, "Where's the bus timetable".

[Old_Geezer]

Depends on the individual. Fair enough to be checked regularly that they're up to it. But it ain't just 96 year olds that get involved in fatal accidents.

[Auntypoll]

Most 96 year olds will have never passed a driving test. I don't think you should judge a total ban on age but a mandatory driving test written and practical every three years from 75 would be a good idea. I also think drivers over 80 should be banned from motorway driving.

[Auntypoll]

All the young drivers l know are extremely capable safe drivers. There are more accidents involving younger drivers because there are more of them than drivers over 90!

[Canary42]

The higher rate of younger driver accidents is compared with all other age groups, not just over 80s.

 

Personal experience is no key, all the 80 year old drivers I know are safe drivers.

 

 

 

[THECORBYLOON]

NICEBLOKE, do you not bother looking left and right before emerging from a junction?

[Old_Geezer]

Left & right ?

Well there's reduced head mobility, and there's extreme reduced head mobility. If you are so incapacitated that you can't get to look left and right, then driving may not be the biggest of your problems.

[ladybirder]

My Honda makes loud warning noises if I get too close to anything like the kerb or car in front or behind when I am reversing into an empty spot.  The nearer I get the quicker the warning noise repeats itself.  So useful.

I'm about the only person in B&H who drives within the speed limit nowadays.  Other drivers just love me, not.

[Khandro]

Don't just look left & right, remember your Highway Code, it's left, right & right again :0)

Actually as an ex motor-bike rider, that last 'right again' is known in the fraternity as the 'life-saver'.