When is it time to hang up the keys.
Discussion
Watched a prog on TV last night about persuading old drivers to give up driving.
It was all a bit sad really.
It's a daunting prospect to be physically able but just not up to coping with traffic and driving. That got me thinking (hoping I suppose). I wonder if people who are keen and interested in cars and driving (PHs) are able to drive for longer that those who simply drive to get from (a) to (b)?
It was all a bit sad really.
It's a daunting prospect to be physically able but just not up to coping with traffic and driving. That got me thinking (hoping I suppose). I wonder if people who are keen and interested in cars and driving (PHs) are able to drive for longer that those who simply drive to get from (a) to (b)?
Groober said:
We have an 82 year old client who drives a Ferrari 550 everyday (well when he goes out in the car). It's not dinged or scratched and as far as I can tell he is perfectly capable of driving it.
We have an 80 year old company chairman here (retired) who still flies his glider, skis and plays tennis!I think the answer to the question is that it is all down to the individual isn't it.
E36GUY said:
Groober said:
We have an 82 year old client who drives a Ferrari 550 everyday (well when he goes out in the car). It's not dinged or scratched and as far as I can tell he is perfectly capable of driving it.
We have an 80 year old company chairman here (retired) who still flies his glider, skis and plays tennis!I think the answer to the question is that it is all down to the individual isn't it.
E36GUY said:
Groober said:
We have an 82 year old client who drives a Ferrari 550 everyday (well when he goes out in the car). It's not dinged or scratched and as far as I can tell he is perfectly capable of driving it.
We have an 80 year old company chairman here (retired) who still flies his glider, skis and plays tennis!I think the answer to the question is that it is all down to the individual isn't it.
It's a really sad situation- we had to stop my grandfather from driving- he's 87. Just wasn't safe anymore- he used to be a good, safe driver. But in recent years, it was scary being in the car with him- very poor observation and lack of awareness of his surroundings. The only reason he avoided accidents was because of other drivers' observation. His car is battered on almost every panel, from hitting kerbs, hedgerows and other roadside detritus (they live in the country, with narrow lanes fortunately devoid of much traffic).
We had to take his car away from him to stop him from driving- something you have to be cruel to be kind. but it is in everyone's interest to do so. In my opinion, theres should be regular (annual?) health/driving checks for drivers above a certain age to make sure they are still competent and safe enough to drive- there are plenty of fit, active, competent octagenarians out there, like Stirling Moss! My granddad had one medical checkup 10 years ago when he was still an ok driver; it's only in the last 2-3 years where he has really deteriorated, but there seems to be no further testing required.
We had to take his car away from him to stop him from driving- something you have to be cruel to be kind. but it is in everyone's interest to do so. In my opinion, theres should be regular (annual?) health/driving checks for drivers above a certain age to make sure they are still competent and safe enough to drive- there are plenty of fit, active, competent octagenarians out there, like Stirling Moss! My granddad had one medical checkup 10 years ago when he was still an ok driver; it's only in the last 2-3 years where he has really deteriorated, but there seems to be no further testing required.
E36GUY said:
Groober said:
We have an 82 year old client who drives a Ferrari 550 everyday (well when he goes out in the car). It's not dinged or scratched and as far as I can tell he is perfectly capable of driving it.
We have an 80 year old company chairman here (retired) who still flies his glider, skis and plays tennis!I think the answer to the question is that it is all down to the individual isn't it.
My Mother's father was still driving in his 90s and used to have to get a letter from his GP for the insurance company each year saying he was fit to drive. On the other hand, had a neighbour some years ago who retired and bought his wife (who was in her early sixties and hadn't driven for some time) a new car with his pension payout. She went out once and realised she was not up to driving in modern traffic and they promptly sold the car.
I'm all for regular retesting. Doctors letters proclaiming the person is still fit to drive has no bearing on whether they can actually still drive (if you know what I mean).
Although perhaps retesting is something that should be done not just towards old age - but that's a different kettle of fish for a different thread.
Although perhaps retesting is something that should be done not just towards old age - but that's a different kettle of fish for a different thread.
My father is 81, still works very hard, is active, keeps himself mentally and physically healthy and will keep driving for many more years. He may not drive far late into the night, nor drive for more than 120 miles without a break, but drives safely, is fully aware of other road users and has more experience driving than most road users.
My Mum on the other hand is keeping death off of the road by driving on the pavement.
My Mum on the other hand is keeping death off of the road by driving on the pavement.
Old dear next door was considering this last year. She was a good driver and has driven all over teh world in her younger days ( India, botswana etc) but she is struggling physically and mentally to keep up with the modern world.
I simply put it to her to think how she would feel if she took out a bus Q of young mums and babies in prams due to her lack of ability. 3 weeks later an old bloke took out a mum and baby in town. she has given up now....
I simply put it to her to think how she would feel if she took out a bus Q of young mums and babies in prams due to her lack of ability. 3 weeks later an old bloke took out a mum and baby in town. she has given up now....
You can't really hang up your keys when you're final resting place is a modern day viking burial... In your Longboat (Read "Car") on fire... drifting out to sea (Read "Central Reservation").
At least that's what I'm aiming for
However, There really are some "more distinguished" people out there who should have embraced their bus-pass long ago.
At least that's what I'm aiming for
However, There really are some "more distinguished" people out there who should have embraced their bus-pass long ago.
In Florida where many residents way over 80 are still driving who causes more accidents.....professional women between 28 and 42. Why because they are on the phone when driving, drinking coffee, doing their make up,singing etc and not concentrating. The over 80's may be slower but are actually pretty safe according to the accident records and the police.
Cock Womble 7 said:
volvoforlife said:
Hang them in your coffin.
They'll have to prise them from my cold, dead hand.
As above when an individuals body / mind deteriorate to the point hey are no longer safe to drive, will depend on the individual. For some of us that may be the day we die, for others it may be decades before. What's really worrying is someones Dr cannot get the DVLA to remove their licence even if they know them to not be safe to drive. It still relies on the individual deciding.
I asked my instructor this at the track one day. His oldest regular client is 78 and drives an M3CSL, and apparently is pefectly capable of doing do. People age at different rates, and I have met people in their fifties who shuffle around and do some lightweight gardening between bouts of watching the box, and others who are on the go at 80. It makes sense to have some kind of age related test, but I suspect that the variation is huge.
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