Driving dilemma

I think a lot of elderly drivers carry on because their local public transport is poor or even non-existent.

I doubt that it was wise when restrictions on renewing driving licences were changed.

I know, we all do, that we are living longer than our grandparents did, or even our parents. Unfortunately, this does not mean we are all going to be able to continue driving, standing on ladders to clean our own gutters etc. for the rest of the our lives.

If I fall off a ladder on my own property that is no-one's business but mine. If, however, I cause an accident by driving, riding a bike or crossing the street irresponsibly, then others are likely to be involved.

Love of self is a human trait, and this being so, I doubt if we all are or will be capable of realising it when the time comes to stop driving etc. either because our sight, our hearing, or our reactions are not what they need to be.

My husband and I were forced to broach the subject of giving up driving both with my mother and later with my father. It was not an easy task, as anyone will know who has done it, but it HAD to be done, as neither of them realised they were no longer safe drivers.

It is simply not good enough to rely on anyone, irrespective of age, admitting that they ought not to drive - a proper thourough medical followed by a driving test is needed.

This will cost money - very well, but it cannot cost the same as a human life being brought to an untimely end.

Worry not sorry

I live in a popular retirement town with a high number of elderly drivers. The biggest problem seems to be that they become over-nervous - things like stopping on a main road or roundabout if they see another car approaching from the left - just in case it doesn’t stop.

Parking is laughable😂

On the whole it doesnt cause much problem because we are all used to it and they are usually going very slowly so the cars behind them are going slowly too and can stop in time. And there is plenty of parking so it doesn’t really matter if they jut out or need two spaces.

Does your friend just potter a familiar way to the shop and back? Anything more, especially unfamiliar routes where you have to react to signs and traffic and would sorry me to death and ai think I’d have to say, “You’re not safe.”

Does the DVLA or Police pay any attention to reporting?

If other people are concerned then this lady is being irresponsible to carry on driving. If she loses consciousness while driving she could do some serious damage to others.

Hmm, you could report your concerns to the dvla.
You might save someone's life.

Thanks for the extra detail, Aveline. She has done wrong if she didn't report a fainting history though, to be fair, I've got a fainting history too. I've never fainted without good reason though, so I suppose you're talking about out of the blue fainting or fainting caused by some health issue that she should declare.

Re hearing loss... the number of drivers who drive around with their stereo system/spotifies blasting away at full volume, I begin to wonder if hearing loss is a real driving issue.

I do understand your point about not wanting your friend to cause an accident. If you've done what you think needed to be done, you've done what you can. Steam away! 😤

Cars are dangerous vehicles regardless of who is driving them. None of us should take driving for granted.

Unfortunately we are very good at seeing ourselves as the 'good' drivers and everyone else as the bad ones.

No one ever plans to have an accident.

Let her be and be careful yourself.

A very elderly driver reversed into the side of my brand new car. Months of inconvenience and expense for me. I wasn't hurt. Main point - he just didn't hear me tooting!
There's more to driving than eyesight, heating and reflexes also matter. I doubt she's reported her heating loss and fainting history. Not anyone's business until there's a tragedy.

If she has declared any medical issues that she's supposed to declare and has good enough eyesight why is it anyone else's business?

Anything can happen to anyone regardless of age.