I was utterly engrossed in last week series of ‘Driving Me Crazy’ with the wonderful Jo Brand presenting the controversial subject of ‘Old people and driving’.
I did think ‘ how is she going to tackle this sensitive issue?’ but she approached this extremely delicate situation with the utmost of professionalism.
The over seventies now have the highest number of accidents per mile. But to some, the car is their lifeline and who has the right to take away their licences? Currently once a driver hits seventy, they have to pass a very basic medical and if successful, retain their licence for another three years whereby they undergo another medical and so it goes on.
What this programme was trying to ascertain is whether this system is adequate or should the over seventies have a more stringent test/assessment in order to keep their licences.
Horrific video clips were shown about accidents caused by the elderly fraternity and the trial of devastation left behind was quite heart wrenching. Momentary loss of concentration, sad but true, is a factor of getting old.
The couple that dared to take an assessment had the right attitude. The over 70’s must have regular yearly assessments to test thier ability as a safe driver for no other reason than their own safety.
Jackie Violet