Why do people keep on driving after they are 70 years old?

Question

When you reach 70 you have to satisfy your GP that you can see well enough to drive, half on them can NOT.

I gave up driving a few years ago because I could no longer afford to get the dents and scratches filled in, that were caused by elderly drivers who could NOT see properly.

Answer 1

Because they are still capable of driving and it's legal for them to continue.

The real question is why we give children a license to drive a 3,000 pound killing machine!

Answer 2

i agree with you, of course it is not nice to no longer be able to get yourself about, but unfortunately that is the way it is when you get old! (i do have a lot of understanding for the elderly by the way, i worked in old people's homes for many years and it is really sad when you lose your abilities) the fact is though, it is not fair on other road users to have people driving who cannot see/react properly. i have had MANY incidences while driving where an elderly person has almost caused me to have an accident, or where i have witnessed near misses involving pedestrians etc. once you get over retirement age, you should be made to retake your test once a year. you people saying the elderly should be able to continue to drive, how would you feel if your child were killed on the road due to someone not being able to see or react properly?

Answer 3

Because we are the only country that doesn't make them redo a test to check they are still capable, so they can continue to be the bane of other motorists lives by driving at 20 mph on a national speed limit road. I know a guy who can't even see properly any more and he has crashed his car twice already this year!

Answer 4

Why should they stop driving, if they are able to continue safely?

There are people who are older, who are excellent drivers. There are people who are younger who are not. Some people are still working at 70.years old. Many are traveling and enjoying retirement. Many live in areas where they need to drive to get anywhere. What would you have them do, sit home all day?

Answer 5

When you are elderly, a lot of your friends are passed on or shut in somewhere like a nursing home. If you are fortunate, your family still comes for regular visits and helps you out with things like going for groceries or taking you to doctor's appointments. But there are many elderly who have to fend for themselves and driving is a very crucial part of being able to do so. It represents independence.

Answer 6

Because some of them are still good drivers, I know what you mean though, I think you may have noticed it's flat capped Sunday drivers mostly, they pootle along at 4 miles an hour and don't expect to get a bonnet up the bumper!

Answer 7

Wait until you reach Seventy and see how you feel when an insentive younger person asks such stupid questions. Older people keep driving because they can and usually need to get somewhere. Also, older people do not have as many accidents as know- it- all younger people as they keep to the speed limit, obeys traffic rules etc.

Answer 8

They have Himers,in their eyes and minds they are drive just great.They say I'm driving over 25 mph whats wrong.


We need a national competency driving course,16 to 60,can't pass it you take public transit until you can pass it.

Answer 9

when was the last time you saw a 70 year old running the 4 minute mile.

when you are 70 years old well i guess you will know

Answer 10

Because at that age people still need to go places. My father is 74 and needs to do things too.