Unsafe elderly driver - how to protect the public

Garetha

My father is 88 and hasn't driven for about 10 years apart from recent driving lessons.

One instructor gave up on him. A friend who sat with him said 'don't drive' and refused to help further. Another driving instructor advised him to take a test.

His reactions are very slow, he walks very slowly with the aid of two walking sticks. We don't know if he could stop quickly enough in an emergency.

When challenged he denies his potential danger and is in the process of buying an automatic 'which I will be able to drive'

I've written to his GP asking for his opinion or if he would advise the DVLA. I had no reply.
I've written to the DVLA asking for advice on assessment without mentioning his name - but no reply.

We're so worried about him having an accident and hurting himself or someone else.

Can anyone advise what else I could try to get him assessed?

bigoggy2007

pay for a driving test for him, or call your local police and ask if they run safe driver lessons that he could attend

Inactive

Garetha wrote: »

I've written to his GP asking for his opinion or if he would advise the DVLA. I had no reply.
I've written to the DVLA asking for advice on assessment without mentioning his name - but no reply.

Your GP and DVLA are not allowed to enter in to any matters relating to a 3rd party with you, Data Protection and all of that.

You could also be seen to be attempting to curtail his freedom for personal reasons.

Sadly, there is little you can do.

maninthestreet

Your only option here would be, if you see him driving dangerously, is to report him to the police as not being fit to drive. Unfortunately, I fear he may have to involved in an accident before the authorities take any action.

terryya

Garetha wrote: »

When challenged he denies his potential danger and is in the process of buying an automatic 'which I will be able to drive'

Hopefully he'll just have one of those accidents when he drives into a shop window or reverses through somebodies garden, that old, automatic drivers seem to have on a regular basis, rather than a 'proper' one!

It's a really awkward situation you're in, and I really think there should be compulsory retests after a certain age. Not doing stupid things like reversing round corners or three point turns, just the basics and emergency stops etc.

p00hsticks

No advice, I'm afraid, but you have my sympathy.

I suspect that this is going to become more and more of an issue as we see more and more elderly people who have been used to driving all their lives and are reluctant to 'give up their their freedom' despite the fact that they are becoming a danger to others.

Insurance companies used to just quote car insurance premiums for 'under 21', '21-25' and 'over 25' year old. However, we're starting to see increased premiums for elderly age bands as actuaries determine that in fact the elderly are only slightly less likely to be in an accident than the young....

mchale

I can only suggest hiding his walking sticks and then he wont be able to get to his car.

Bennifred

I would "lose" the car keys for him.:p

Inactive

Unfortunately we cannot rid the roads of all potentially unsafe drivers of all / any ages.

If we did, the roads would be almost empty.;)

pault123

Garetha wrote: »

My father is 88 and hasn't driven for about 10 years apart from recent driving lessons.

One instructor gave up on him. A friend who sat with him said 'don't drive' and refused to help further. Another driving instructor advised him to take a test.

His reactions are very slow, he walks very slowly with the aid of two walking sticks. We don't know if he could stop quickly enough in an emergency.

When challenged he denies his potential danger and is in the process of buying an automatic 'which I will be able to drive'

I've written to his GP asking for his opinion or if he would advise the DVLA. I had no reply.
I've written to the DVLA asking for advice on assessment without mentioning his name - but no reply.

We're so worried about him having an accident and hurting himself or someone else.

Can anyone advise what else I could try to get him assessed?

I first read that very quickly as "i could try to get him arrested" :rotfl::rotfl:

Garetha

Thanks to everyone who has replied.
This is so frustrating - and frightening
I know drivers over 70 have to renew their licences every 3 years - so there is machinery in place to check on this - but I gather it's a bit of a farce as it's self-certification.