What are your views on this

nearlyrich

I had the good fortune to be able to brake suddenly without causing anyone to crash into when a guy did a sweeping U turn right into my path on a 40MPH road yesterday, if I hadn't slammed on he would have definitely taken my front end out. I was then next to him at the lights and I asked him what he was playing at, apparently it was my fault I should have been driving at 15 miles per hour he said. I think he had been drinking to be honest so I got out of there ASAP.

daska

meritaten wrote: »

I feel so sad - both for the old lady and the people who live near her!
Perhaps her mobility scooter could be returned for cash - and the old lady finds a reputable taxi company to take her places! she is a danger to herself and others - my mind boggles at the mayhem she could cause on that scooter thing!
(We have an old gent near us who has one - and believe me he isnt safe to be around - he apparently believes there is a force field of invincibility around him)

Unfortunately a taxi can only get you so far and no further - e.g. I would be unable to get into most of the shops in town simply because the pedestrianised area is too far for me to walk between them and getting round the local supermarket on foot would require an ambulance so I wouldn't bother. Being able to get my own shopping in or go to Boots etc on my bike is a real boon for my mental health. So I would hate to see anyone have their life curtailed by being forced to give up their independent transport.

But...

I do think a competency test is the only way to go, with a limit to 2mph for those who aren't willing or able to pass. (4mph is about twice as fast as your average shopper moves.)

ruby-roo_2

I think they would be powerless to do anything unless an offence had been caused, the_cat. Which is crazy really, because it allows someone who is a risk to themselves and others, to carry on driving till the worst happens.

It must be very upsetting and frustrating to anyone in the emergency services attending RTAs, as anything they do is really just like closing the stable door when the horse has bolted isn't it. Their valuable time could be directed elsewhere if more stringent safety laws were introduced.

kezlou

Sorry to hear about your loss cottonhead

I fully support the idea of being retested for both a mobilty scooter and cars at the age of 70. But not just the eldery but also anyone who has a mobilty scooter regardless of they age.

The amount of times we've had 20 - 92 years olds nearly wiping us out on the pavement or the road is unbeliveable. No apologies, just insults. But they are also good drivers who shouldn't be penalised for other people's behaviour.

We had someone round weaving in and out of cars on a scooter, absolutely palatic, called the police they just took them off the scooter and took them straight to the hospital. The person was fined and had they licence taking off them.

Tigsteroonie

What always surprises me about these tales of older drivers is that they set out on a journey that should take 3 hours and were still driving 19 hours later ... Didn't they realise that something had gone wrong with their journey? I remember reading one a few years back where they were still driving the next day. Of course they'll be tired and paying less attention by then!! But why on earth do they keep on driving?

ruby-roo_2

I believe she headed in the wrong direction initially only realising a few hours into the journey. She then compounded her error further by driving northeast instead of northwest. Personally if that happened to me I would phone the people I was on my way to and explain the situation, advising them I would find somewhere to stop overnight and continue to them the next day. No doubt whoever she was visiting was very concerned when a lady of 83 was so late in getting to them.

I am only in my thirties and could certainly not drive, in a fully aware state, for more than a couple of hours at a time. I like to stop regularly, stretch my legs, get some fresh air and have some refreshments. Having young kids in the car probably encourages me to stop more frequently than some people may. You cant stay alert and drive safely when you allow yourself to get overtired. Driving at night requires extra vigilence too.

Saint_Chris

OMG these things disasters are just waiting to happen.

1 - anyone who is over a certain age, i'd say 70 should have to take a driving test every 2 years, as proved time and time again, peoples eye sight, hearing, speed of reflex muscles and change when get older........so yes a test should be compulsery.

and if any pensioners do not agree with this then just remove there licence.

3 - mobility scooters, well that is what they are for, and people who have them should had a mobility test to take before they can buy one, so many people get them nowadays because they are bone idle, i've seen people park them up outside of asda and then go inside and walk round and do a full shop, if you can do that then you can walk there or get a taxi.

Round here it's only going to be a matter of time before there's a accident with one of these, how can a old lady who's never drove a car before get one of these and go on the road with one........accident waiting to happen.


What type of car can go 19 miles without running out of fuel......

cutestkids

A full retest every two years from age 70 to drive a car.

A test to drive a mobility scooter before using and then at least every 5 years after that.

meritaten

it makes me wonder how many people who have never driven a car (or any other type of vehicle) purchase a mobility scooter and then are let loose on the road???????
I could buy one tomorrow - could certainly do with one, but I havent and I won't!
Why? same reason I dont drive - I KNOW I would be a hazard on the road! I have the attention span of a gnat - am apt to spot something interesting and lose focus on what I am supposed to be doing.............I shut my eyes if a large vehicle comes towards us (tho OH is driving), and am very abusive to 'Twits' who cut us up etc! I am doing the public a great service by not driving - and wouldn''t dream of getting a mobility scooter and being even more of a nuisance!

coolcait

Mobility scooters, quad bikes, those incredibly annoying mini-motorbikes, and anything else that has a motor, goes faster than walking speed, and could injure other people...

All of the above should only be used in public spaces if the driver:

- has been trained to use the vehicle;
- has been tested to ensure that they are completent to use the vehicle
- is in possession of a fully valid licence, allowing them to use the vehicle in a public place.

All car drivers should resit their test every five years.

It is very common for people to pick up bad habits during everyday driving. Drivers of all ages are the cause of accidents every day. Mandatory testing would identify areas where retraining is needed.

Drivers in their forties and fifties may be affected by age-related deterioration in their eyesight. Regular tests will ensure that this is picked up and addressed.

Issues with older age groups have already been discussed on the thread.

If we have mandatory re-testing across all age groups, genders and all parts of the country, that might help road safety.

But, there would be an outcry from the driving community of all ages and hair colours...

Because every driver knows with absolute certainty that he/she is a good and safe driver. And that it's other drivers who are the problem.