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Older drivers
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"I’d rather my grandma stopped using the car to be honest. I admire her independence (also being in her early 80’s), but having been in the car with her.. I can’t help but feel it’s just a matter of time. " That is how i feel. When she said she was getting rid of the car i was relieved but shocked when she said she was replacing it. | |||
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"I think you have to be honest with them OP. It's not always easy for them to see that they're becoming dangerous. If it really comes to it, a quiet word with DVLA can help. " She actually just drives locally now and usually avoids busy times but it is still a concern. Her hearing is not great these days although she will deny this. | |||
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"I’d rather my grandma stopped using the car to be honest. I admire her independence (also being in her early 80’s), but having been in the car with her.. I can’t help but feel it’s just a matter of time. That is how i feel. When she said she was getting rid of the car i was relieved but shocked when she said she was replacing it." It’s a delicate thing in my case. She’s actually my step grandma, as my grandpa got re-married (having previously been a widower) at 80 to a younger woman! It was her first marriage though, in her mid seventies, and prior to that she’d always been single, and proudly and fiercely independent. I don’t feel able to suggest it without crushing her sense of freedom, and with it her happiness. Tough though, as I live 3.5 hours away on a good day and can’t help her day to day. | |||
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"Maybe i worry too much. She never learnt to drive until she was 52 and never been very confident but actually has never been in an accident." I’ve been in a few, generally caused by aggressive male drivers. | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ....." Older driver have less accidents because proportional less drive in their age bracket then younger drivers They also drive at less busy times I.e not commuting and usually much shorter distances. Yes experience plays a factor but how long does it take to a proficient driver 2 maybe 5 years if you don't drive much. A car from the 60 or 70s is inherently worse and less safe then a modern car in every way as where the standards and techniques. It just there where less cars on the road | |||
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Mum's doing all the driving instead, although she's not as confident as she used to be, but at least they only go out locally these days. In fact, I think their car has just scraped 1000 miles since its MOT in November, and I've done 300 of those just keeping it ticking over.... | |||
"Well she has just phone to say she has bought a 4yr old fiat 500." hopefully an Abarth edition..  | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ....." You are quiet correct, However unlike the younger drivers once they do have their one big accident they tend to either give it up or be forced to give it up. However in the most serious of cases involving maiming & death of other road users they are rarely given anymore of a sentence than giving up their licences. Younger drivers could face prison time. I had a 46yr old biker friend taken out by an 82yr old woman who had been told by her Doctor for several years that she should not be driving, she ignored him. My friend died, Two kids under 15 & a widow. The 82yr old surrendered her licence to the court, that was it, no fine, nothing more. So her extra 7yrs of independence cost a lifetime of no father/husband for a family. Seems a rather expensive seven years to me.. My father in law refused to stop driving, so we forced him in the end, No one would get in the car with him including his wife & we refused point blank to let them take the kids away for a break. My brother in law is a biker too & we just see too often the outcome of accidents so we felt no shame in ganging up on dad. Even now that the law has been changed many doctors are unwilling to report their patients to the DVLA. It used to be that they couldn't, now it's more they won't..More so in rural areas where it would cause hardship. S | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ....." That statistic isn't based on miles covered. Miles covered over 75's are 30 times more likely to be involved in an accident. My father at 85, will not be replacing his vehicle next year. | |||
"Well she has just phone to say she has bought a 4yr old fiat 500." Let's hope it's not one of those Fiat 500 with a pokey twin air engine in it Those things are death traps no matter who's in them. | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ....." With all due respect: 1: Not all young drivers are inconsiderate knobheads 2: It doesn't matter how considerate you are if your reaction times are shot, your hearing is iffy and your eyesight questionable. In one way or another, for reasons I'm not going to go into I deal with multiple thousands of driving offenders annually, there is very little pattern to be discerned in the "Young drivers are just tossers" theory. In fact generally I'd say that the average age of the offenders will be well into the late 30s. | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ..... You are quiet correct, However unlike the younger drivers once they do have their one big accident they tend to either give it up or be forced to give it up. However in the most serious of cases involving maiming & death of other road users they are rarely given anymore of a sentence than giving up their licences. Younger drivers could face prison time. I had a 46yr old biker friend taken out by an 82yr old woman who had been told by her Doctor for several years that she should not be driving, she ignored him. My friend died, Two kids under 15 & a widow. The 82yr old surrendered her licence to the court, that was it, no fine, nothing more. So her extra 7yrs of independence cost a lifetime of no father/husband for a family. Seems a rather expensive seven years to me.. My father in law refused to stop driving, so we forced him in the end, No one would get in the car with him including his wife & we refused point blank to let them take the kids away for a break. My brother in law is a biker too & we just see too often the outcome of accidents so we felt no shame in ganging up on dad. Even now that the law has been changed many doctors are unwilling to report their patients to the DVLA. It used to be that they couldn't, now it's more they won't..More so in rural areas where it would cause hardship. S" Statistical it is bullshit. You can massage any age group to be superior drivers in a number of ways But I think you emotional comments makes a better point of it. In the wrong hands a car is a weapon and no mutteringa of independence or quality of life should allow other human being to be endangered because someonelse can't accept changes to their lifestyle as they grow older. If I became totally blind tomorrow... Should be allowed to drive, incase more of independence was taken away? Mandatory retesting every 10-15 years And performance capped limits. Which need to be renewed also... If you can afford a Ferrari you can afford £500 for an extra licence to drive it | |||
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"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ..... You are quiet correct, However unlike the younger drivers once they do have their one big accident they tend to either give it up or be forced to give it up. However in the most serious of cases involving maiming & death of other road users they are rarely given anymore of a sentence than giving up their licences. Younger drivers could face prison time. I had a 46yr old biker friend taken out by an 82yr old woman who had been told by her Doctor for several years that she should not be driving, she ignored him. My friend died, Two kids under 15 & a widow. The 82yr old surrendered her licence to the court, that was it, no fine, nothing more. So her extra 7yrs of independence cost a lifetime of no father/husband for a family. Seems a rather expensive seven years to me.. My father in law refused to stop driving, so we forced him in the end, No one would get in the car with him including his wife & we refused point blank to let them take the kids away for a break. My brother in law is a biker too & we just see too often the outcome of accidents so we felt no shame in ganging up on dad. Even now that the law has been changed many doctors are unwilling to report their patients to the DVLA. It used to be that they couldn't, now it's more they won't..More so in rural areas where it would cause hardship. S Statistical it is bullshit. You can massage any age group to be superior drivers in a number of ways But I think you emotional comments makes a better point of it. In the wrong hands a car is a weapon and no mutteringa of independence or quality of life should allow other human being to be endangered because someonelse can't accept changes to their lifestyle as they grow older. If I became totally blind tomorrow... Should be allowed to drive, incase more of independence was taken away? Mandatory retesting every 10-15 years And performance capped limits. Which need to be renewed also... If you can afford a Ferrari you can afford £500 for an extra licence to drive it" There are minimum eyesight requirements to drive at any age. Not many can afford Ferrari’s | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ..... You are quiet correct, However unlike the younger drivers once they do have their one big accident they tend to either give it up or be forced to give it up. However in the most serious of cases involving maiming & death of other road users they are rarely given anymore of a sentence than giving up their licences. Younger drivers could face prison time. I had a 46yr old biker friend taken out by an 82yr old woman who had been told by her Doctor for several years that she should not be driving, she ignored him. My friend died, Two kids under 15 & a widow. The 82yr old surrendered her licence to the court, that was it, no fine, nothing more. So her extra 7yrs of independence cost a lifetime of no father/husband for a family. Seems a rather expensive seven years to me.. My father in law refused to stop driving, so we forced him in the end, No one would get in the car with him including his wife & we refused point blank to let them take the kids away for a break. My brother in law is a biker too & we just see too often the outcome of accidents so we felt no shame in ganging up on dad. Even now that the law has been changed many doctors are unwilling to report their patients to the DVLA. It used to be that they couldn't, now it's more they won't..More so in rural areas where it would cause hardship. S Statistical it is bullshit. You can massage any age group to be superior drivers in a number of ways But I think you emotional comments makes a better point of it. In the wrong hands a car is a weapon and no mutteringa of independence or quality of life should allow other human being to be endangered because someonelse can't accept changes to their lifestyle as they grow older. If I became totally blind tomorrow... Should be allowed to drive, incase more of independence was taken away? Mandatory retesting every 10-15 years And performance capped limits. Which need to be renewed also... If you can afford a Ferrari you can afford £500 for an extra licence to drive it There are minimum eyesight requirements to drive at any age. Not many can afford Ferrari’s " And the people who can... Tend to be older. Don't believe the social media hype... Most exotic car repeat customers are well into their 50s Guess you've gotta have something more than a pocket full of viagra to impress the 20 somethings at that age | |||
"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ....." Well said   | |||
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"Older people have far fewer accidents than young people. They were taught to drive with concideration and properly. but there are acceptions But the majority are safer drivers ..... Well said "All drivers are taught properly and to be considerate but older people may be more inclined to remember this once they pass their test. | |||
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"In 3 to 4 years it's mandatory that all new cars come fitted with a speed limiter set with there satellite navigation.. "No such mandatory legislation is due | |||
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"My Mum is 96. Her bestie is 95. Bestie drives them all over.....I cringe... "Wow. That is quite frightening. | |||
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"well ifi a to be knocked off my motorbike then I hope its you. then you could give me the kiss of life xxxx" I hope you never get knocked off though. It wouldn't be very nice for you | |||
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"As much as I would hate to have to take a driving test now, commonsense dictates that over a certain age it may be a very good idea!" By no means I this ment to be an insult. But if you are aware that you driving standards are below the (minimum) requirement. That's logic telling you either need to brush up your skills Or retire that licence. I just wish more people had your honesty. Cars are lethal in the wrong hands or wrong situation. Its not a joke or something to massage your ego about. Would we be having the same conversation about old age if this was about a firearms licence? I wouldnt feel that safe giving an 80 year old a 12 gauge or even a 16 gauge shotgun either. Age provides wisdom it also takes some of your physical abilities. | |||
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"Think they should let older drivers use the cycle lanes." Gulp! | |||
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"As long as they aren't driving a BMW without the optional indicators then they are probably better drivers than most 'millenials'. At least if you do end up in an accident with an older person, then, they are less likely to be on an attempt to get the record for the Kessel Run (so the results won't be as severe), never mind the lap record at the Nurburgring... (Done that and yep was faster than Sabine Schmitz in her Transit van, nearly hit a twonk in a 911 Turbo who couldn't drive for toffee but that's a different story. So basically, Stirling Moss (RIP) or Twatty McBoost (it's a measure of restriction not flow ffs), I know which one I'd prefer to be a passenger with. "Only in my experience Many drivers of a certain age are a risk to both themselves and other road users The risk in my experience is higher than the statisticall risk of younger drivers My comments above DO NOT exclude the facts Some young drivers are also lethal and some older drivers are absolutely excellent Numbers wise however | |||
"As long as they aren't driving a BMW without the optional indicators then they are probably better drivers than most 'millenials'. At least if you do end up in an accident with an older person, then, they are less likely to be on an attempt to get the record for the Kessel Run (so the results won't be as severe), never mind the lap record at the Nurburgring... (Done that and yep was faster than Sabine Schmitz in her Transit van, nearly hit a twonk in a 911 Turbo who couldn't drive for toffee but that's a different story. So basically, Stirling Moss (RIP) or Twatty McBoost (it's a measure of restriction not flow ffs), I know which one I'd prefer to be a passenger with.
Only in my experience
Many drivers of a certain age are a risk to both themselves and other road users
The risk in my experience is higher than the statisticall risk of younger drivers
My comments above DO NOT exclude the facts
Some young drivers are also lethal and some older drivers are absolutely excellent
Numbers wise however "Cards on the table, I do remaps, I build engines, design brake systems, etc. Biggest claim to shame, is probably, building an engine for a customer in Australia that was more powerful, and as it happens, more reliable than a certain one that powered an Elise that Adrian Newey commisioned
I need the Millenials to keep me in work, nut gawd, most can't drive or have any mechanical appreciation.
Don't get me wrong, technology and modern engine management has moved things on leaps and bounds, it's much easier and more efficient to adjust a number on a laptop than it is to drill out a jet or file a needle, don't even mention bob weights, springs, and vacuum for ignition advance.
I just think it's wrong (generally) to judge people on age and not ability.
Most cars these days you don't even need to put a handbrake on manually.
I'll also admit that my daily driver has adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic handbrake and a flappy paddle gearbox.
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"As long as they aren't driving a BMW without the optional indicators then they are probably better drivers than most 'millenials'. At least if you do end up in an accident with an older person, then, they are less likely to be on an attempt to get the record for the Kessel Run (so the results won't be as severe), never mind the lap record at the Nurburgring... (Done that and yep was faster than Sabine Schmitz in her Transit van, nearly hit a twonk in a 911 Turbo who couldn't drive for toffee but that's a different story. So basically, Stirling Moss (RIP) or Twatty McBoost (it's a measure of restriction not flow ffs), I know which one I'd prefer to be a passenger with.
Only in my experience
Many drivers of a certain age are a risk to both themselves and other road users
The risk in my experience is higher than the statisticall risk of younger drivers
My comments above DO NOT exclude the facts
Some young drivers are also lethal and some older drivers are absolutely excellent
Numbers wise however
Cards on the table, I do remaps, I build engines, design brake systems, etc.
Biggest claim to shame, is probably, building an engine for a customer in Australia that was more powerful, and as it happens, more reliable than a certain one that powered an Elise that Adrian Newey commisioned
I need the Millenials to keep me in work, nut gawd, most can't drive or have any mechanical appreciation.
Don't get me wrong, technology and modern engine management has moved things on leaps and bounds, it's much easier and more efficient to adjust a number on a laptop than it is to drill out a jet or file a needle, don't even mention bob weights, springs, and vacuum for ignition advance.
I just think it's wrong (generally) to judge people on age and not ability.
Most cars these days you don't even need to put a handbrake on manually.
I'll also admit that my daily driver has adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic handbrake and a flappy paddle gearbox.
"Youre only 50 Cards on table my average age of clients is 68 More than 30 percent should not be driving | |||
"As long as they aren't driving a BMW without the optional indicators then they are probably better drivers than most 'millenials'. At least if you do end up in an accident with an older person, then, they are less likely to be on an attempt to get the record for the Kessel Run (so the results won't be as severe), never mind the lap record at the Nurburgring... (Done that and yep was faster than Sabine Schmitz in her Transit van, nearly hit a twonk in a 911 Turbo who couldn't drive for toffee but that's a different story. So basically, Stirling Moss (RIP) or Twatty McBoost (it's a measure of restriction not flow ffs), I know which one I'd prefer to be a passenger with.
Only in my experience
Many drivers of a certain age are a risk to both themselves and other road users
The risk in my experience is higher than the statisticall risk of younger drivers
My comments above DO NOT exclude the facts
Some young drivers are also lethal and some older drivers are absolutely excellent
Numbers wise however
Cards on the table, I do remaps, I build engines, design brake systems, etc.
Biggest claim to shame, is probably, building an engine for a customer in Australia that was more powerful, and as it happens, more reliable than a certain one that powered an Elise that Adrian Newey commisioned
I need the Millenials to keep me in work, nut gawd, most can't drive or have any mechanical appreciation.
Don't get me wrong, technology and modern engine management has moved things on leaps and bounds, it's much easier and more efficient to adjust a number on a laptop than it is to drill out a jet or file a needle, don't even mention bob weights, springs, and vacuum for ignition advance.
I just think it's wrong (generally) to judge people on age and not ability.
Most cars these days you don't even need to put a handbrake on manually.
I'll also admit that my daily driver has adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic handbrake and a flappy paddle gearbox.
Youre only 50
Cards on table my average age of clients is 68
More than 30 percent should not be driving
"I'm actually 48 ya cheeky git, I don't round up/down power figures or my age
30% of people on the road (at least) should never have been given a license, whatever age. | |||
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He stopped driving after that. | |||
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"Well she has just phone to say she has bought a 4yr old fiat 500." What colour, I’ll make sure I take a wide berth overtaking her at 20mph | |||
 but then take an assessment?! I'm loathed to give it back but if I don't, I've technically stolen it. I don't feel very supported by the relevant authorities. My Dad has obvious dementia but again, they decline to agree, although the episode with the Police has provoked them a bit. I don't live near him, he has my brother and I and that's it, so it's very challenging. I don't want to go into any more detail, but it's all incredibly stressful. | |||
"The OP is talking about someone they know personally, and have doubts about their competence to still be behind the wheel. It’s not an assassination of all older people. As people age, they tend to have slower reaction times physically, and mentally. There also tend to be more underlying health complications that make it far from a clear cut situation. That’s just a fact of life, generally speaking. There will of course be exceptions. It’s not ageism, it’s pragmatism. " It's clearly ageism. | |||
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"I get that. I didn't stick the stats there in opposition to what you said. I put them there for those that have no evidence but say 'older drivers' shouldn't drive. You are not stopping your dad due to age. You are stopping him with good reason. Just as I wouldn't stop someone because they are young but would stop them if they had poor eyesight or a damaged limb. " I have a damaged limb
I also have an adapted clutch. Is that OK Granny?! | |||
"I get that. I didn't stick the stats there in opposition to what you said. I put them there for those that have no evidence but say 'older drivers' shouldn't drive. You are not stopping your dad due to age. You are stopping him with good reason. Just as I wouldn't stop someone because they are young but would stop them if they had poor eyesight or a damaged limb. I have a damaged limb
I also have an adapted clutch. Is that OK Granny?! "Yeah. I'll let you off on that one. Obvs I wasn't talking about disabled drivers ........ hmmmmmmmmmmmm now there's a thought  | |||
"From a 2017 publication Relative to the two most debated and challenged driver categories, some may argue that this is a fair deal – particularly where young drivers are concerned. After all, young drivers are at a much higher risk of being involved in and causing a car crash. An undeniable force to be reckoned with; there is an estimated 2.7 million people under the age of 25 who hold a full driving license; 1.3 million of which are under the age of 22; totalling 7% of all UK drivers. What’s more, though drivers aged 17-19 only make up 1.5% of UK license holders; they are involved in 9% of fatal crashes where they are the driver – and altogether, drivers under the age of 25 cause 85% of all ‘serious injury’ accidents therefore, disproportionally effecting insurance claims. In fact, last year, a report by the Department for Transport released statistics detailing the number of fatalities and killed or seriously injured collision cases involving young car drivers specifically (aged 17 – 24-years-old), which altogether amounted to 4,561 incidents. Nevertheless, some claim that young drivers are no more dangerous on the roads than older drivers. Recent figures from the UK’s Department for Transport revealed that there is an estimated 4.5 million people aged 70 or over in the UK who have a full driver’s licence – 236 of whom are aged 100 or over; a far larger number than young drivers. It is clear to see from data released by Gov.uk last year, that drivers aged 20–29 pose the most risk on our roads. With dramatically higher figures than any other age group, drivers in their twenties were last year involved in 20,841 road incidents of all severities – considerably higher than any other age group and drastically greater than road incidents of all severities involving drivers aged 70–79 (3,254) and road incidents involving drivers aged 80 and over (1,939.)" I think lots of people are missing the point. These statisticsl arguments are based on behaviour... hence how accident reduction is targeted. The discussion around older drivers is not around behaviour nor experience it's competence... based on declining reaction times, eye sight etc. Etc. Cognitive decline often causes dangerous driving... but it won't be seen in the same way a 20 year old will miss judge a corner at a high speed. An "older driver" is much more likely to go too slow on a motor way or miss navigate road markings... if we look at the concern addressed in the thread... no doubt people are worried about their boy racer 20 year old son... but address this risk by urging caution or an added box... and in the same way when worrying about older drivers will consider their competence to continue driving. Furthermore, injuries sustained in a crash are far more likely to result in fatalities the older you are. Here is a little tip I picked up from a friend ... he simply booked a driving refresher/ lesson for his mum and they then gave him some indication afterwards. | |||
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"I get that. I didn't stick the stats there in opposition to what you said. I put them there for those that have no evidence but say 'older drivers' shouldn't drive. You are not stopping your dad due to age. You are stopping him with good reason. Just as I wouldn't stop someone because they are young but would stop them if they had poor eyesight or a damaged limb. I have a damaged limb
I also have an adapted clutch. Is that OK Granny?!
Yeah. I'll let you off on that one.
Obvs I wasn't talking about disabled drivers ........ hmmmmmmmmmmmm now there's a thought "Oi, gerrof my clutch | |||
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"My mum is excited as buying a new car this week. She is almost 81. As much as i admire her independence i worry about her driving. Does anyone else have elderly parents who still drive and how do you feel about them doing so?" You could perhaps try discussing it with them my father gave up his licence not willingly but was " mature" enough to recognise he wasn't as confident as he was although he was aware he had dementia you might even see if you can be with them in the car? Ask for a ride in the new one ask hos it compares is it better?easier to drive? Will it take get used to do they think? May not provide a definitive answer but might help put your mind at rest to some extent.... | |||
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"All these comments are ageist. we could say the same about other drivers of other origins. " All? No these comments have pointed out statistical facts and including the body and mind degrades over time. You can wrap that up in whatever discrimination banner you want. Discrimination works positively and negatively. One thing I have learnt from this though is... aging doesn't guarantee emotional maturity. | |||
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"All these comments are ageist. we could say the same about other drivers of other origins. " Its ageist to point out that your parent with dementia who was a found confused, by the Police, 3hrs from home, is now unfit to drive??? Several doctors have agreed. The problem is that there is no mechanism to actually prevent him from driving other than confiscating his car. Just writing on medical records "unfit to drive" does not stop the person from driving | |||
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"My mother still drives and is 86...gir as a fiddle, have no worries about her driving at all... But if she was to announce she was going to drive more than a 50 mile radius...i would be maybe a little concerned...." Fit.....was meant to say... | |||
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"All these comments are ageist. we could say the same about other drivers of other origins. Its ageist to point out that your parent with dementia who was a found confused, by the Police, 3hrs from home, is now unfit to drive??? Several doctors have agreed. The problem is that there is no mechanism to actually prevent him from driving other than confiscating his car. Just writing on medical records "unfit to drive" does not stop the person from driving" This I agree with, there is a valid and substantial reason as to why he should not drive, lumping everyone together because of age is, however, not the right thing to do. I didn't drive for about 18 months due to issues with my vision although I was told I still met the standards, I wasn't confident that I would be a safe and proficient driver so voluntarily didn't drive. The law is very binary, it needs to have a bit of common sense applied sometimes. | |||
"All these comments are ageist. we could say the same about other drivers of other origins. Its ageist to point out that your parent with dementia who was a found confused, by the Police, 3hrs from home, is now unfit to drive??? Several doctors have agreed. The problem is that there is no mechanism to actually prevent him from driving other than confiscating his car. Just writing on medical records "unfit to drive" does not stop the person from driving This I agree with, there is a valid and substantial reason as to why he should not drive, lumping everyone together because of age is, however, not the right thing to do. I didn't drive for about 18 months due to issues with my vision although I was told I still met the standards, I wasn't confident that I would be a safe and proficient driver so voluntarily didn't drive. The law is very binary, it needs to have a bit of common sense applied sometimes." The problem is that cancelling licenses "on paper" and writing things on medical records still does not stop the person driving. If the family are not able to remove the car or the person voluntarily stops, then they can continue to get into a potentially lethal weapon. I have effectively stolen my Dad's car | |||
"All these comments are ageist. we could say the same about other drivers of other origins. Its ageist to point out that your parent with dementia who was a found confused, by the Police, 3hrs from home, is now unfit to drive??? Several doctors have agreed. The problem is that there is no mechanism to actually prevent him from driving other than confiscating his car. Just writing on medical records "unfit to drive" does not stop the person from driving This I agree with, there is a valid and substantial reason as to why he should not drive, lumping everyone together because of age is, however, not the right thing to do. I didn't drive for about 18 months due to issues with my vision although I was told I still met the standards, I wasn't confident that I would be a safe and proficient driver so voluntarily didn't drive. The law is very binary, it needs to have a bit of common sense applied sometimes. The problem is that cancelling licenses "on paper" and writing things on medical records still does not stop the person driving. If the family are not able to remove the car or the person voluntarily stops, then they can continue to get into a potentially lethal weapon. I have effectively stolen my Dad's car "That's when the law needs common sense, you've not stolen it, you've confiscated it for his best interests. | |||
"From a 2017 publication Relative to the two most debated and challenged driver categories, some may argue that this is a fair deal – particularly where young drivers are concerned. After all, young drivers are at a much higher risk of being involved in and causing a car crash. An undeniable force to be reckoned with; there is an estimated 2.7 million people under the age of 25 who hold a full driving license; 1.3 million of which are under the age of 22; totalling 7% of all UK drivers. What’s more, though drivers aged 17-19 only make up 1.5% of UK license holders; they are involved in 9% of fatal crashes where they are the driver – and altogether, drivers under the age of 25 cause 85% of all ‘serious injury’ accidents therefore, disproportionally effecting insurance claims. In fact, last year, a report by the Department for Transport released statistics detailing the number of fatalities and killed or seriously injured collision cases involving young car drivers specifically (aged 17 – 24-years-old), which altogether amounted to 4,561 incidents. Nevertheless, some claim that young drivers are no more dangerous on the roads than older drivers. Recent figures from the UK’s Department for Transport revealed that there is an estimated 4.5 million people aged 70 or over in the UK who have a full driver’s licence – 236 of whom are aged 100 or over; a far larger number than young drivers. It is clear to see from data released by Gov.uk last year, that drivers aged 20–29 pose the most risk on our roads. With dramatically higher figures than any other age group, drivers in their twenties were last year involved in 20,841 road incidents of all severities – considerably higher than any other age group and drastically greater than road incidents of all severities involving drivers aged 70–79 (3,254) and road incidents involving drivers aged 80 and over (1,939.)" They don’t really paint any clear picture and usual statistics that miss a whole bunch of other factors. Amount of Miles driven, roads used and how frequently(number of people that drive on a motorway about twice a year for holiday vs everyday commute , times of day and cars used etc - these equally likely to relate to age. I.e car you buy due age(family needs) financial ability. Whether your driving is during peak commuting times, motorway or town, if you have choice not to drive in bad conditions(I.e retired vs working) if you drive your own car, and maybe work vans etc. I don’t think comparing someone whose driving as been the local school run and to the garden centre in their retirement vs someone that commutes everyday on motorways and cities, and then claiming that one Is better that the other. Lewis Hamilton has had more crashes than all of us but not sure we would claim we are better drivers than he his is! While age will also in some cases link to “risk” for say experience, attitude, or health. I think it’s wrong to just say if you young/old passed a certain age you are at risk. Some 60 yo physically be less healthy than a 90 year old. However I do think there a number of elderly drivers that while I respect their independence need to know when it’s time to jack it in. 3 weeks ago a man in his 70s, pulled straight into the side of me on a dual carriage way - spun my car 360 degrees during rush hour - the dash cam footage UA scary as you see me face at one stage to the traffic which was both lanes full of cars and lorries - all who some how managed to miss me as i spun around. Thankfully nobody was hurt - the elderly gentleman once rescued from his car explained it was his second accident in days - had previously had UA licence taken away because they had a concern about his health, I felt awful for him as clearly he enjoyed his independence and driving - but his clear lack of competence and health now was not just only risking his own life but had i not controlled the spin and had the reaction of the other cars behind been as good his actions could have resulted in the death or serious injuries of many. So age isn’t the thing - but if someone’s health/attitude and competency isn’t good then they clearly shouldn’t be driving(21 or 91) | |||
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"My mum is excited as buying a new car this week. She is almost 81. As much as i admire her independence i worry about her driving. Does anyone else have elderly parents who still drive and how do you feel about them doing so?" Feel for you and yes I too have an elderly person I worry about my dad he still drives and I do worry as I know he's hgetting on and he's very independent bless him. | |||
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"your mum sounds good to me. shes full of life" She was until she fell on Monday. Not such a happy soul now and maybe not drive again. | |||
"your mum sounds good to me. shes full of life She was until she fell on Monday. Not such a happy soul now and maybe not drive again." It's horrible when an older person has a fall. Is she badly hurt? It's surprising how resilient the human body is. Hope she recovers well | |||
"your mum sounds good to me. shes full of life She was until she fell on Monday. Not such a happy soul now and maybe not drive again. It's horrible when an older person has a fall. Is she badly hurt? It's surprising how resilient the human body is. Hope she recovers well "Thank you. She fell whilst getting out of the car and broke her hip. She needed an op and is in hospital. Hard for us all as no visitors allowed but she is a tough cookie and doing well.x | |||
"your mum sounds good to me. shes full of life She was until she fell on Monday. Not such a happy soul now and maybe not drive again. It's horrible when an older person has a fall. Is she badly hurt? It's surprising how resilient the human body is. Hope she recovers well
Thank you. She fell whilst getting out of the car and broke her hip. She needed an op and is in hospital. Hard for us all as no visitors allowed but she is a tough cookie and doing well.x"Poor thing. Getting in and out of cars is a common problem when it comes to falling. | |||
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"I really can not see her driving again now although will never say never as she is very strong willed." My aunt had 2 hip replacements and continued to drive. I'm not willing to comment on whether this was advisable or not... 
It's amazing what a good recovery period and proper physio can do though. | |||
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"your mum sounds good to me. shes full of life She was until she fell on Monday. Not such a happy soul now and maybe not drive again." Oh I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she will be alright. | |||
"I really can not see her driving again now although will never say never as she is very strong willed. My aunt had 2 hip replacements and continued to drive. I'm not willing to comment on whether this was advisable or not...
It's amazing what a good recovery period and proper physio can do though. "Apparently she is doing very well and i am sure she will bounce back and surprise us all. Guess it pays to be active in your older years as she walks alot and goes to the aqua aerobics. | |||
"I really can not see her driving again now although will never say never as she is very strong willed. My aunt had 2 hip replacements and continued to drive. I'm not willing to comment on whether this was advisable or not...
It's amazing what a good recovery period and proper physio can do though.
Apparently she is doing very well and i am sure she will bounce back and surprise us all. Guess it pays to be active in your older years as she walks alot and goes to the aqua aerobics."Definitely! My father is mid nineties, he's hurt his back. A paramedic phoned him to prescribe some medication and asked how he did it. "Building a shed" was my dad's reply. The paramedic just said, after a lengthy pause "Good God man!"  | |||
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"I think older people have less accidents because they have been driving before most of us here were even born! " driving was much more difficult years back. Try driving a car without power steering. Today's lot of drivers have it so much easier and yet many shouldn't be let loose on a, road | |||
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"My mum is excited as buying a new car this week. She is almost 81. As much as i admire her independence i worry about her driving. Does anyone else have elderly parents who still drive and how do you feel about them doing so?" My great grandparents still drive and they’re both in their 90’s, I’d rather get in a car with them than my mum. | |||
"We've just managed to get Dad to part with his car He's 83 and has dementia He hasn't driven for over 12 months, but liked to look outside and see his car I thought he was over it, until yesterday when I found him on his laptop looking at, you guessed it... Cars "Are you my brother?!
We sold my dad's car in September, he agreed etc. Now he's talking about buying.........a car 
It's like groundhog day | |||
"We've just managed to get Dad to part with his car He's 83 and has dementia He hasn't driven for over 12 months, but liked to look outside and see his car I thought he was over it, until yesterday when I found him on his laptop looking at, you guessed it... Cars
Are you my brother?!
We sold my dad's car in September, he agreed etc. Now he's talking about buying.........a car
It's like groundhog day "Please don't do that to me The panic was telling on my face as I quickly rushed to check your ages | |||
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"We've just managed to get Dad to part with his car He's 83 and has dementia He hasn't driven for over 12 months, but liked to look outside and see his car I thought he was over it, until yesterday when I found him on his laptop looking at, you guessed it... Cars
Are you my brother?!
We sold my dad's car in September, he agreed etc. Now he's talking about buying.........a car
It's like groundhog day
Please don't do that to me
The panic was telling on my face as I quickly rushed to check your ages "Sorry, it was tongue in cheek! My Dad is only 81 
Bluebell - sorry to hear about your mum and her hip  | |||
"Ironically after starting this thread 14weeks ago my mum has had an accident involving her new car. She fell when getting out the bloody thing and broke her hip." Oh Deary me I hope she is on the road to recovery (no pun intended ) | |||
"Ironically after starting this thread 14weeks ago my mum has had an accident involving her new car. She fell when getting out the bloody thing and broke her hip. Oh Deary me I hope she is on the road to recovery (no pun intended ) "Thanks. She is making a speedy recovery and said she will be driving again by Xmas. | |||
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"She is almost 81. As much as i admire her independence i worry about her driving. " I suggested that my dad (also 81) might hang up his driving gloves after being a front seat passenger on a terrifying drive from his home to Sheffield. Using the central markers on the road to position the car and driving at 50 mph on the motorway convinced me to have the necessary conversation. Allowing someone to continue driving if they are medically unfit or no longer competent goes way beyond the issue of independence. | |||
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