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Original poster

Older taxi driver.

16 replies

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:00

Name changed, I'm not being ageist, just not sure how others would feel.

DS goes to secondary in a taxi as he has sen
and the bus is not suitable for him.

his taxi driver is clearly an older chap. was not sure on exact age but I was thinking 70+, but from what I can gather recently he's actually nearly 80! He's a very slim bloke but it kind of makes him look frail, I don't think his hearing is great as he doesn't seem to hear me if I say anything to him.

driving for many older people is a lifeline, especially rurally where we live. My grandad drove perfectly well until he died suddenly at nearly 80! Older people are safer drivers but the news that older person died at the wheel and hit a pedestrian in my area locally has got me thinking.

a member of staff at his school mentioned his age too, and now I'm questioning myself. He works for a taxi firm who have several school contracts with varying drivers under one firm.

it is only a 15 minute drive away but I can't help feel worried.

how would you feel? Am I being daft?

OP posts:

WetBandits · 02/12/2022 12:02

RuthW · 02/12/2022 12:07

I wouldn't even think about it. 80 isn't ever so old. 85 and I might question it. My dad is a safe driver at 88. We make sure we go out with him every few weeks to
check.

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:08

RuthW · 02/12/2022 12:07

I wouldn't even think about it. 80 isn't ever so old. 85 and I might question it. My dad is a safe driver at 88. We make sure we go out with him every few weeks to
check.

I don't disagree.

I should have added I have major anxiety about car accidents etc. I struggle to let my kids go in the car with anyone, regardless of age. However, I hadn't thought much of until a staff member at the school brought it up.

OP posts:

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:09

Sadly by history not many people in my family have made it 80+ so I'm not sure what the norm is.

OP posts:

CaptainMyCaptain · 02/12/2022 12:12

My Dad was driving perfectly safely until he was 90. He only had to stop because he broke his pelvis and couldn't get into the driver's side of the car.

Timeforachangeisitnot · 02/12/2022 12:13

.Presumably if it’s a taxi he will have a licence to drive one, and of course appropriate insurance. Can you find out what checks are made - eyesight, driving skills etc- prior to him getting this taxi licence? Or what vetting the company does.

80 is not old for some people but others age faster, so while he may be very safe, it’s your right to check.

snowspider · 02/12/2022 12:16

He is driving all the time so it would soon have become apparent if he was a risk on the roads. It wouldn't take many days at work to find out if he had lost his skills as he would be involved in an accident. He also probably has an amount of self awareness as to his driving ability as he drives so often.

Lycanthropology · 02/12/2022 12:17

Is he actually driving erratically, or giving you any reason to worry?
I mean through his actions and driving behaviour, rather than your vague concerns about his age.

snowspider · 02/12/2022 12:17

Apart from having to fulfil the conditions of keeping his licence of course!

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:20

CaptainMyCaptain · 02/12/2022 12:12

My Dad was driving perfectly safely until he was 90. He only had to stop because he broke his pelvis and couldn't get into the driver's side of the car.

I've never intended that older drivers aren't safe drivers 😊

OP posts:

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:24

snowspider · 02/12/2022 12:16

You are probably right Ty. I do get anxiety about my children getting in the car with anyone regardless of age but I have felt totally at ease with his driver from September until recently, knowing that he's probably done this for many years. But after a passing comment from someone about his age it doesn't take much to trigger myself into worry! The firm seem very professional too! I just got worried because if there was any kind of incident DS is prone to bolting off - fast!

OP posts:

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:29

Timeforachangeisitnot · 02/12/2022 12:13

80 is not old for some people but others age faster, so while he may be very safe, it’s your right to check.

my grandma is still alive in her 80's but had to stop driving in her late 60's as she couldn't manage it physically. My grandad was a very competent driver until he died (suddenly) at nearly 80! Driving was a lifeline for him rurally with no decent public transport.

I admit I'm probably over thinking it - it doesn't take much.

OP posts:

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 02/12/2022 12:31

This will soon be the new normal - people working into old age because they can't afford to retire.

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 12:34

PlaitBilledDuckyPuss · 02/12/2022 12:31

This will soon be the new normal - people working into old age because they can't afford to retire.

Sadly true!!

OP posts:

OhRiRi · 02/12/2022 15:20

Taxis and their drivers are generally more tightly regulated than normal cars and drivers.

It may vary by local authority but where I am, school transport taxis are inspected twice a year - once at mot time and again at taxi licence plate assessment/renewal.

Drivers also have to pass an initial knowledge test, driving test, medical and DBS check. They then undergo regular medical examinations and driver assessments.

I'd suspect he's probably one of the safer drivers on the roads to be transporting your son!

Original poster

Userno367367377373 · 02/12/2022 15:34

OhRiRi · 02/12/2022 15:20

Taxis and their drivers are generally more tightly regulated than normal cars and drivers.

It may vary by local authority but where I am, school transport taxis are inspected twice a year - once at mot time and again at taxi licence plate assessment/renewal.

Drivers also have to pass an initial knowledge test, driving test, medical and DBS check. They then undergo regular medical examinations and driver assessments.

I'd suspect he's probably one of the safer drivers on the roads to be transporting your son!

thank you, I didn't think of it this way.. he's only been getting a taxi since September so a bit of a newbie to school transport!

OP posts:

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