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While I'm not convinced the current 'self certification' set up is the right one neither is triennial compulsory re-testing.
Firstly it won't weed out cases like this where driver looses control. Even if the driver was becoming incapcitated at the date of the accident he could have been perfectly alright 6months before, never mind 35months. Dementia, whether caused by Alzheimers or some other fator can come on very quickly. So can other disabling conditions.
I suspect a lot of older drivers would simply give up, with consequent loss of independence and possibly need to move home etc, rather than face the stress of a test. If Mavis limits herself to journeys she knows that seems areasonable adjustment. It doesn't mean she won't cope if, for example, diverted off the known route die to an accident.
My Mother took exactly that route. Immediately after my Father, who was a useless driver at any age but was always in the front right seat, died she spread her wings. Drove 120miles down the M1 to us a few times and to other places too. Then by her mid seventies decided she was more comfortable sticking to going to the Lakes or the East Coast and a few other familiar places. Perfectly safe and would have coped if sent off the A65 and onto the M6 - just got a bit stressed by it that's all.
Fiinally gave up in her mid eighties, rcognising she had balance problems, but barely used the car for last year or so.
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