I feel that there should be progressive assessments made on all drivers, and not just ones past a certain age. I'm sure all of us have witnessed driving standards ranging from just incompetent to downright dangerous in drivers of all ages, so it certainly isn't just the aged. Maybe every 10 years, have a sort of 'mini driving test' which could include reaction to stressful situations recreated on a simulator, checking eyesight etc. Also a thorough update on Doctor's (and other health professionals) obligation and right to inform the dvla if they feel a patient is potentially a danger on the road, which would then require an immediate assessment.

Having watched the "100 year old driving school" series a while back I find it frightening that some of them are still allowed to drive and I'm not picking on the elderly here. The woman with the Mini was very good and she was over 100 and a few others were good but, there were many that I felt shouldn't be allowed to continue having displayed the kind of driving they did on the show.

I don't wish to get all ageist about this but the OP is inferring criticism (probably justified) of the gentleman who clearly made a big mistake which had very tragic consequences. I also realise that we are recommended by the moderators not to get too hung up about spelling and grammar when posting, but one sentence in the original post:

"I dontveish to start an argument about should older people be band or retested ect but this isn't the first time someone has mistaken the accelerator for the break."

contains at least 4 errors. We all make mistakes, some of which may be age related, but when inferring crticism of the actions of someone else it is surely not unreasonable to ensure that the criticism is couched in decent english. Maybe the OP is getting on a bit himself?

Deleted post.

Edited by argybargy on 09/11/2017 at 10:25

I seem to have opened up a veritable hornet's nest with my response to dan86's original post about the 90 year old man who reversed into and killed two ladies. In quoting a sentence from his post I was merely trying to illustrate the fact that we all make mistakes and that age is not necessarily always a factor. Upon reading my own post in the aftermath of the response of dan86 himself and many other contributors I realise that I could (and should) have worded my comments in a less critical way. I would, first of all, like to apologise unreservedly to dan86 for the implied criticism of his english.

In an obtuse way I have proved my own point by illustrating that most of us make mistakes in life (even when we are trying hard not to!). I don't even have the excuse of being a new 'member' of the forum to fall back on as suggested by Engineer Andy. I have been a reader of (and an infrequent contributor to) the Back Room since I first went online in the early noughties. I changed my 'nom-de-plume' to 'the closer' when I bought my present computer (can't remember what my original one was) and I actually quoted the moderators' recommendation about not getting too het up about spelling and grammar in my errant post.

I would take issue with FP (in a very minor way) in his criticism of my use of the word 'inferring'. My online dictionary lists 'inferring' as a version of 'implying'. Touche!

Once again dan86, my heartfelt apologies for any perceived insult.

PS I write as someone who is about to enter his 80th year.

I think you will find that they are highest for young drivers. Presumably that is a reflection on the number of claims.

And probably also on the size of the claims?

Excellent point.

Probably a fair assumption that older drivers are not quite as quick to think and react; but experience and avoiding situations where that is critical can more than make up for that, at least while we have our marbles.

I know I could drive more quickly and confidently at 25. I believe I am a safer driver now (64). My insurance premium suggests that is the case.

If and when I have to disengage from a lifetime of driving-I hope it it will be because I ( and only me) will have decided that I cannot see, react or fully understand the mechanics of the vehicle I am attempting to control.

If I still have my marbles-I would have done my research into alternatives such as bus, rail, taxi availablilty and willing friends. Yes-I will have lost a little of my independence, but to not have to worry about car maintenance, parking, reading unreliable maps and listening to inaudible sat nav instructions might be a blessed relief.

Indeed - I feel really sorry for many elderly people who nowadays have to contend on newer cars with mobile phone/PC levels of compelexity in operating ICE functions, let alone sat nav (which is increasingly useful on our congested roads), as well as the ever reducing rear view from manufacturers use of 'porthole' rear windows and thick C pillars.

I suppose the problem comes when older people do get forgetful or really start to get dementia etc and don't realise they aren't up to driving any more, as has been documented on these pages more than once.

I think its good that you are already preparing for this as it certainly comes as less of a shock than someone you love telling you that you should stop driving because you can't see properly or are a danger to yourself, passengers and other road users, as from previous cases I've read about, people often get very defensive (even if they still have all their marbles) when told so, even in the gentlest terms by family, friends and/or their GP: not nice to be told effectively you are now effectively (to some at least) 'on the scrapheap' or 'in God's waiting room - next stop, nursing home...'

I'll need to talk with my parents about planning for this, as they're in their mid 70s now and may only have one change of car left before giving up driving. They do use the free bus service when they can, so that's a start at least, although my mum won't now drive on dual carriageways or motorways (she doesn't like using 5th gear+).

I can't quite understand why many older drivers willingly put themselves in the frame for these horrible modern cars, as said port hole windows and stupid transmissions ....

I'm just back from my regular 80-mile round trip to north Wales in my 1990 Pug 205. It's not the fastest on the road by any means (nor am I) but the panoramic vision makes any 21st-century tank feel truly claustrophobic.