Elderly Drivers

[kadee]

My father and I often get into a heated debate about this topic and just yesterday I followed a very old man who caused 3 near misses with other drivers.

Note this topic is SPECIFIC to elderly drivers not the young or women or men etc.

I personally feel after a certain age, perhaps 70, we should have to sit for our licence annually. We share the road with many elderly folk who likely have a combination of poor vision, poor hearing, poor reflexes and poor comprehension all of which are a danger on the road.

Now I'm not hanging crap on oldies but am interested to know what others think about annual testing.

[shandy]

I don't think you would have suggested this if you were say 68, BTW I'm no where near 70, but I would hate to think that I will have to do a driving test at 70, much too young. As for the old man you followed who had 3 near misses, I saw a young driver doing the same thing.
I suppose I'm on your Father side.

[kadee]

Surprise surprise you have misunderstood the context despite my clearly stating it.

Please shandy, do not feel you need to respond to my every post. Seriously.

[computerflyer]

Perhaps this should be in Ask NGE not automotive.

> I personally feel after a certain age, perhaps 70, we should have to sit for our licence annually.

This debate is being held in many locales. (In the US it always fails because of the grey voter backlash.)

Most (not all) oldies I have known are generally still spry and on top of things into their 70's. As a practical matter retests at 75, 80, and then annually or biannually would probably timely identify those who should retire from driving.

However, consider the additional queue you are asking the licensing authorities to create. Do you expect the governments to add staff without taking from somewhere else?

If an oldie ignores losing the license and drives anyway, possibly now without insurance or even rego,, what punishment do you recommend? Many have no/few assets, not much income, and do you want to jail them when Really Bad People and DUI drivers are routinely put on community orders? Bottom line - impractical to enforce.

<Now, about those feral, immortal youngsters and inattentive adults ....>

[Danny_b]

Kadee, I sympathise completely with you. I have a similar debate frequently with my father who is always complaining about 'old codgers' on the road. He doesn't seem to realise he is in his (early) 70's, and like them, also struggles. While his eyesight is fine, his reflexes are very slow, and he does not seem to be able to drive smooth to save himself.

I think our licensing system needs a complete overhaul for all drivers (including the elderly), but like computerflyer says, how would it possibly be funded. Let alone the political backlash any party would have for creating a hindrance to some drivers.

If someone had to hand in their licence (regardless of age), or didn't get their licence because a political party changed the rules, they'd certainly cop it.


But you do only need to look at any European country to realise how poorly skilled the average Australian driver is.

[kadee]

Interesting. My dad is in his early 70's and like most of his friends, is often on a cocktail of medication. He also has MD and at least knows when he shouldn't drive.

His ophthalmologist was telling me how frustrating it is when people he tells not to drive still go ahead and do so.

[TheLoanMan]

I know this will not make a lot of people happy, but why is it not made compulsory for doctors to advise the transport department if they feel a person is not fit to drive. I realise that there are privacy laws that prevent this at this time, but a change in law could overcome this.

It would then be up to the Transport Department to contact the driver concerned and give them say 60 days to be tested, or lose their licence.

This way it would target the ones at risk, and fewer tests would need to be done.

Who would know better than the persons doctor.

[computerflyer]

> why is it not made compulsory for doctors to advise the transport department if they feel a person is not fit to drive.

Sounds like a capital suggestion, but consider that it w/could inhibit some oldies from getting routine or even necessary medical attention for fear they might be reported.

[Topdog]

I think rom memory in WA at least there is a requirement to advise the licencing authority of any medical condition or medications which they need to know about, but I think it applies to ALL drivers..Anyone like to add to that or confirm??

[shillard]

All drivers, regardless of age, should submit to regular re-testing to retain their licence - I would happily sit a written or practical test tomorrow.

Would you?

If you're not completely confident of passing one, and 100% up on current road rules - hint: you shouldn't be driving.

[kadee]

Me too. I'd feel a lot safer on the road knowing we all had regular refreshers. People become far too complacent and road rules change. In the last 12 months I've put two teens on the road and I have learnt a number of things I didn't know.

[computerflyer]

Shillard, et al,

When convenient, accessible, cheap public transport is available for everyone, perhaps you have a point. In a practical sense that may not happen until teleportation is perfected.

When you are at the mercy and costs of taxis 24 x 7 to travel to the grocers, doctors, and anywhere else, you might reconsider the practical matters, as noble as theory may be. Are there even taxis in very small regional centres? (Everyone is not able to walk a distance.)

Consider the new 'lawless' generation that would probably result, and what you do about them in the overall context of the legal (justice?) system.

Bottom line, if you cannot make a viable control that is seen to be, and is, fair, equitable, manageable, and enforceable, you have a bad law. If you have a bad law, ... Eureka!

[rwc1]

what a load of bull. sitting down for a test drive every year or at a particular age won't make a better drivers, it will only rase more revenue, kadee will feel safer on the road?? realy? will it stop drivers texting or talking on the phone if you'll do a test drive every year? I don't think so!!! kadde sounds like a person who drink smoke and swear, and must get her way or watch out.

[kadee]

Not sure what drinking, smoking and swearing has to do with the issue?

[rwc1]

Just reading your comments sugest to me that you were drunk and mad when you said that you want elderly and infact all drivers to submit to a driving test every year.
A medical test for drivers over the age of 70 will be just fine.