Oi! You can't just lump all us oldies together. How the very dare you?!
I've always needed corrected vision. Difference is when I was younger I wore glasses or contacts for myopia and astigmatism but for the last few yrs I've had just about perfect vision following laser surgery (£400.00 total for both eyes with Wavefront from Optimax courtesy of 4x deals from Tesco. One of the best decisions/investments i've ever made if anyone is interested).
You shouldn't just generalize!
I suppose I shouldn't but it is a fact that most older people have worse eye sight because they are getting older and maybe don't even realise (unless they are like yourself and have had them laser surgery'd). Younger people can be dangerous drivers, which is why I get irritated when people say that "all young people drive the same because they're boy racers" which isn't true.
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It's testoterone that's scary, whether in car or bike. Insurance rates for younger people are higher because on average they are involved in serious accidents, but the male younger driver is also more involved, overall, in speeding, serious and fatal accidents and crime. Something in their makeup perhaps. Not that all young drivers are stupid by any means, but insurers and actuaries are not interested in individuals, unless the insured have markers already. From which they can possibly make an extra profit
For me, I'd personally judge it on their attitude at the time of the RTC. If they were apologetic, concerned etc I might think about suggesting a course for them. If they were arrogant, unconcerned and trying to shift blame, I'd be more inclined to prosecute as I would doubt their ability to learn anything.
I'm of the view that drivers of all ages should be retested regularly.
GC
The practical, from my point of view would be a pointless retest
Since the driving test represents the minimum standard a licence holder should be able to achieve before being allowed to operate a vehicle, I'm not sure that any subsequent reassessment which didn't look at how a driver performed on the road would be at all worthwhile.
GC
I am still of the opinion that 'the elderly' should have to re-sit their test or complete a compuslory driving course at a certain age OR after driving for a certain amount of time. The majority are a nuisance on the road IMHO.
I agree, but why limit it to the elderly? I am of the opinion that everyone should have to have compulsory re-assessment at a set time throughout their driving lives. Some, to persuade tehm that no, they shouldn't be driving any more, others to correct bad habits they've learned.
The best driver training I think that could be given is to make them ride a bicycle around the town where they live for a day, so they can appreciate the impact of their actions when driving.