To think that too many people are in denial that they should not drive?

The policy and processes for driving over 70 years of age in the uk are too lax. Ie in Cyprus,at 70 you cannot self declare yourself fit to drive, you HAVE to visit dr who decides whether or not you are fit to drive for next 3 years. If ant dr in Cyprus suspects you are unfit to drive at any time the government offices are contacted and they suspend your license immediately. A friend was declared unfit to drive and 30 mins later received a message to say license suspended !

If the stats were recorded per mile I think old people would come pretty close or beyond young drivers causing the most crashes.

Old people pootle around towns and don't do the distance younger drivers do. So the stats reflect this.

Young drivers have better cognitive behaviours and reaction times.

I know of a young man,18, the day he past his driving test he was turning right but didn’t see a motor cyclist. He knocked the the cyclist off his bike. Police arrived and was told, you must not let this put you off driving. If it had been an older person they would have been told they were too old to drive. Insurance companies know who cause the most serious accidents and price accordingly. That’s why younger inexperienced drivers pay more.

Re-test every 5 years to about 70 then every year.

We have a friend we don't see very often with a medical condition causing cognitive problems. I hear from a mutual friend that he is very concerned that this chap is still driving as he struggles with even simple things sometimes, and forgets where the controls are in his car. I contacted DVLA but they didn't want to know and suggested that I have a word with him and suggest that perhaps he shouldn't drive. As if!!

And the 17 and 18 year olds should be more strictly supervised as so many fatalities are in this age group

Nothing will guarantee that you don't get dementia, but there are various things that reduce the risk, exercise being one of the most important, but another is lack of social engagement, and is the mechanism by which deafness is associated with dementia.

I watched a lady pensioner barely able to use her walking frame, not even able to straighten up her body, get in a car and drive off. Yikes! I don't know her. Was in our car in a public car park but it just didn't seem safe that she'd be out on the road seriously.

There are far too many people driving whose GPs know they shouldn't be. Or their Optician. I think people in these roles should have the power to tell the DVLA about epileptics having day fits or those who can't really see properly to drive. I have a three year rolling licence due to Diabetes and my GP has to report whether I'm safe to drive. But these don't seem to be actioned properly for anyone - especially the elderly.

Let the GP know in advance so he's primed to ask the questions

Tough. A retest would help to keep drivers sharp and competent and wean out those who should no longer be behind the wheel. There are plenty of drivers on the roads who shouldn't be trusted with a supermarket trolley, never mind a killing machine.

I have said on this post already that I have a neurological condition and that I will have to give my licence up. I have also stated that I have seen the consequences of someone not giving up their licence when they should. I worked alongside the serious collision investigation unit in my local police force for over ten years and I can categorically tell you that I have said the things I have typed to people’s faces. I went on a weekend away with 16 other people who have the same condition as me and I had a few very frank conversations with some of the participants about this subject. Ultimately your father is making the decision to drive but you and your mother are enabling him. Just report him if you can’t talk to him and deny all knowledge if questioned. Because you will feel responsible even if you’re not should he injure someone.

Anyone else remember the "man in hat" drivers? I guess they have died out, since the cohort of men who wore hats all the time has passed on. But years ago, if you were behind someone driving very slowly, it nearly always seemed to be a man in a hat, i.e. an elderly man.

sorry, muddled threads.

In my late 70s I realised that although I could see all right, I was becoming slower at interpreting what I saw. In daily life it has never made much difference, but on the road it was not safe enough, so I stopped driving. But my husband will drive me anywhere: it is not such an easy decision for those who are on their own.

This totally. We've also had to deal with the same with in laws. Its been horrendous and I will not do that to my children. Its okay saying oh don't you dare put me in a home. Its not that simple. Its not your choice if you have dementia for example, the decision rests with those who have POA. And with regards to driving, yes we took the responsibility and took the car away because no one else would for everyone's benefit.

Oh and inheritance is never guaranteed. Your parents may need complex care that eats away at their money.

No, but like a PP, you could sow the seed that it might be the opticiacians who reported him. He might never need to know exactly where it came from.

Wow.

So your potential inheritance is more important to you than the safety of other road users? He could kill or seriously injure someone, and/or himself.

Unbelievable.

Have you children? Would you put them in the car with him, and if you haven’t would you be driven by him?

How bad would all of you feel if anyone, your parents included , got hurt?

Do the right thing.

Going through similar at the moment with my Dad. Late 70s, numerous very serious health problems inc. stage 4 cancer. Very weak, frail and unsteady on his feet (can't walk more than a few steps so has a scooter to get out and about).
Just bought a high-end car, which he said he needed as 1. It's an automatic and can't manage gears anymore, 2. It's solid and safe, and 3. Why shouldn't he spend his own money? Its very flashy and prestigious and I suspect he likes the fact he can show-off a bit. Tbh I also think the salesman saw him coming.
Anyway, Mum won't drive it as she's not confident enough, and it's too big and complicated. He himself can't really get his head around all the new technology. I'm so scared he's putting himself, mum and other drivers/pedestrians at risk, but he used to drive for a living and is of the opinion all is well. Mum said it would break his heart if he had to give up his car, but admits that other drivers are often shouting at him or beeping the horn.
Currently mulling over my decision to have a word with his doctor and voice my concerns.

It is.
Young, inexperienced drivers cause accidents too.

Christ! That would be AWFUL!

Hope the cash makes up for him potentially killing someone 🤬