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OAP drivers - Peter Pan (25th Apr 2017 - 11:40:20) Having been driving around the local area today I am of the opinion that the over 70's need to resit a mandatory driving test every few years to check for awareness and competency. We often see post's about reckless drivers etc on Talkback but after todays NUMEROUS experiences I would suggest there is a far bigger problem on our local roads.

Re: OAP drivers - Tinkerbell (25th Apr 2017 - 15:17:56) As an OAP driver I can agree that there is some awful driving around the village, however it is not only the OAPs but many younger drivers have no idea of how to use roundabouts or the priority at crossings . Why pick on the OAPs? They usually have the experience to not cause accidents.

Re: OAP drivers - Alice in wonderland. (25th Apr 2017 - 15:20:21) How about the others younger drivers on their phones, shouting at kids, speedsters, all causing problems for us sensible elder drivers!

Re: OAP drivers - Peter Curnow-Ford (25th Apr 2017 - 15:46:36) I would suggest this is not restricted to the elderly but all drivers. I was overtaken while driving up Hill House Hill towards Liphook at 5.50am yesterday at about 35 to 40mph by an MPV driver doing 50+, on the approach to the bend at the top of the hill and in a 40 mph limit. Perhaps the speed checkers need to get up a bit earlier, this isn't the first time that I witnessed speeding and inappropriate driving at this time of the morning. To this I would suggest all the mini roundabouts are fitted with instructions on how to use them.

Re: OAP drivers - Peter Pan (25th Apr 2017 - 17:03:25) The point I am trying to make is yes, younger drivers do make mistakes when driving, sometimes out of ignorance, often out of choice but very rarely because old father time has diminished their capacity. I witnessed an elderly lady hit 3 vehicles whilst trying to get out of a parking space. She was clearly confused, incapable of properly steering and should not have been in charge of a car. Old age does mean we physically and mentally deteriorate but in my experience (my parents) OAP's will often refuse to acknowledge this deteriation to the point of extreme arrogance and stubbornness, so therefore I think at a certain age competency testing should be obligatory

Re: OAP drivers - Lorac (25th Apr 2017 - 17:39:59) I agree with all the above comments. However I am constantly surprised (not in a good way!) at the numerous drivers who do not know how to use a roundabout correctly, mostly failing to signal their intention to turn either right or left. Read the Highway Code for information.

Re: OAP drivers - dave (25th Apr 2017 - 19:37:25) Oh dear, two incorrect apostrophes in the original post! Perhaps OPs should resit a mandatory punctuation test every few years to check for awareness and competency!

Re: OAP drivers - John W (25th Apr 2017 - 20:58:53) Nice one Dave, i couldn't agree more ! That has made me feel much better, they will be pronouncing the T in often soon. Cheers John ..

Re: OAP drivers - Tinker bell (25th Apr 2017 - 23:26:43) Peter Pan, I do think that you are making a great generalisation from the specific. One apple in a box is bad so all are!

Re: OAP drivers - Jen (26th Apr 2017 - 08:00:42) I agree with Peter Pan that there should be periodic mandatory competency tests for drivers - but I would not single out older drivers. The testing should apply to ALL drivers. It should also be compulsory for GPs to inform the DVLA when a driver has a medical condition that means they should not be driving.

Re: OAP drivers - Peter (26th Apr 2017 - 13:09:26) Re last comment as of April 2017 there is a new regulation in place that means GPs do that and not just inform the DVLA.

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