Three Strikes!

[GrasB]

What really needs looking at is driver behaviour, whatever their age. We need fewer cameras and more police who can deal with things on a case by case basis instead of pointless generalisations. I bet there are not many 65 years old plus lorry drivers, bus drivers, white van men and all the other class of drivers we see villified on these threads so often. I am not suggesting for one instant that some older drivers shouldn't be off the road, but to pick out a single group of people makes little sense.

I completely agree with this however most of the time the other groups you mentioned can be spotted by the way they're driving & can be prepared for to some extent - I often catch my self changing my road position or looking for escape routes & usually the drive which triggered this reaction, unfortunately, lives up to expectation. The problem with the doddery old folk is that they behave in a careful manner & then do the crazy stuff. In someways this makes them more of a problem.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Never had an accident but seen plenty in his rear view mirror?

 

[ufkacbln]

I don't know why we don't have a compulsory driving test every 5 years once you hit 60 or 65. It'd weed old farts like him out and make the roads safer for everybody.

When you look at the demographics, the main problem drivers are young males whit vans and and middle aged "mondeo man".

Why just have the tests for the elderly, weeding out the bad twenty year old or thirty five year old would be equally beneficial ?

 

[ufkacbln]

What really needs looking at is driver behaviour, whatever their age. We need fewer cameras and more police who can deal with things on a case by case basis instead of pointless generalisations. I bet there are not many 65 years old plus lorry drivers, bus drivers, white van men and all the other class of drivers we see villified on these threads so often. I am not suggesting for one instant that some older drivers shouldn't be off the road, but to pick out a single group of people makes little sense.

That is the problem in a nutshell though.

In Manchester they had a high profile crackdown using marked vehicles.

The ABD then came up with the gem that apparently this is as, if not more dangerous than speed cameras!

If you have Police cracking down on bad driving, then drivers are forced to watch out for Police vehicles instead of the road, this diversion of their attention causes thousands of accidents per year.

So basically any enforcement of the law, or censure of motorists shouldn't be allowed as it is going to kill people!

 

[sabian92]

Did you think that up all by yourself? I'm impressed!

I wonder why it is all the younger drivers who so perfect who get stung by huge insurance premiums.

I might be a teenage driver, but I'm not a bad one. You get bad drivers no matter the age - it happens that old people are generally not even aware they're bad drivers. At least younger people understand they're doing wrong and can be taught otherwise. Old people can be just downright dangerous and not even know it.

 

[JamesAC]

I don't know why we don't have a compulsory driving test every 5 years once you hit 60 or 65. It'd weed old farts like him out and make the roads safer for everybody.

As a 64 year old fart, I rather take exception! As I was hurtling round the M25 at (just) the legal speed, I remarked to my travelling companions that the moment my driving was not up to scratch, I would pack it in. I hope that I'm not so much of an old fart that I won't recognise my lack of ability when the time comes.

Some of you whipper-snappers ought to show a bit of respect to your elders.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

I’d be for a repeat test (written and practical) for everyone every 5 years or so – can’t see it would do any harm and might just help us (self included) get out of any bad habits... to be honest I think each one should get progressively harder to pass – after 5 years of driving you should be much better than when you were a learner... with so much droning on by the likes of the DM that exams and tests are getting easier, I’m sure they’d be full on board with such a proposal...

 

[JBP]

I was waiting behind and to the side of the first car at a set of lights the other week and the next car when it pulled up didn't stop completely, rolling forward slowly. It was only when I tapped on the bonnet when it was a matter of inches from the car in front that the old man that was day dreaming out the window paid attention and slammed the anchors on! I think retests for everyone would be best, with more just after you've passed and as you get advanced in years.

 

[XmisterIS]

IMHO, a full, practical re-test isn't necessary.

It would be next-to-useless for weeding out young and reckless drivers, simply because the young and reckless know exactly what they should be doing, but they just don't do it. Cue an examiner sitting beside them, and their driving would instantly become impeccable.

As for drivers over 70, I think that simply a hazard perception test would be sufficient, and only then if the GP thinks it necessary. The trouble with the current system is that GPs will often pass older people as fit to drive because we have a black-and-white system - your GP says either you're fit to drive or you're not.

 

[chillyuk]

I was reminded of this thread this morning whilst waiting in a queue of half a dozen cars in a multi storey carpark whilst an old lady was going backwards and forwards vainly trying to get her somewhat large people carrier between two already parked cars. I was left wondering how she would open her door if she did eventually get into the rather tight space!