stop pandering to senior citz

Why is it that whenever you have an under 25 driver killed the media goes nuts and wants greater restrictions, but when the same thing happens with elderly drivers there isnt a murmur?

I know that young people are risky drivers and I know they are in more than their share of accidents. I still remember the risks I took, the accident I did have, a few near misses I had. I dont deny that there are issues there. Perhaps some more can come from driver training but the majority is brain development human nature. The teen drivers that make it to mid 20's (yay for me) will eventually mature and become better drivers.

At the other end of life though, brains break down. Sorry to break the news to elderly people, but it happens. Some people will lose it completely and early. Others a little and late. I'm probably on my way there now if its any correlation to grey hair. Every single week there are elderly drivers who get confused about the pedals or the gears or just plain daft things. They are often selecting the wrong gear and panic by flooring the accelerator. A lot of the time this just means they hit a carpark wall. Unfortunately a lot of the time this means they end up on the footpath hitting pedestrians and driving through shop front windows.

5 minutes from my house at Bombo last week an elderly driver somehow got herself onto a freeway off ramp. Drove straight past the big frikken WRONG WAY GO BACK sign and proceeded to drive down the freeway in the wrong direction oblivious to it all. Just like that joke. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/jokes/read/209213
Several cars managed to miss her, fortunately (for them) it was a 4WD that didnt so only the old lady was killed, not the innocent people. Poor buggars are only in hospital with the trauma to haunt them.

I put it to you that an old male slow driver doing 55 in a cream coloured XF ute in the right hand lane in an 80 zone (this morning) is equally as dangerous as a young guy in a fully sik 200kw stereo hilux doing 100 kmh.

Why are there no cries to restrict and test older drivers more? Sorry to those a little closer to the age bracket. Not saying you should hang the keys up permanently, just that you need to be tested more. Exactly the same as people are crying out for more teen testing.

Hmmm I'm just 61, I agree with you, that makes me a traitor? Nope, but I do think that some sort of test of your mental capacity and reflexes should be mandatory for ALL drivers, how that could be achieved I have no idea. I also believe that if you don't use it you loose it, I am absolutely sure that my driving reflexes diminished after I gave up club level motor sport after I got married and had to find the dollars for the mortgage, so does that mean that we should all do a prescribed time stint on a track as an anual requirement to maintain our licence, my neighbour who brags that she has never had an accident is enough to scare the majority of drivers off the road, she drives maybe 2 very short trips per week, the much older bloke across the road is in his car so much I think the drivers seat will need to be surgicaly removed from his arse and he is a very competant driver..

I personally think ALL drivers shoud have to sit a written and practical test every 5 years. The rules change frequently and they are usually not advertised very well so a lot of drivers think the current rules are the same as when they were first licensed. We all get in to bad habits as well so it would be a good wakeup call to find out what you are doing wrong.

Yogie

MAYBE cause the oldies maybe have never had a demerit against them n
maybe they have paid many a year of tax so
maybe think they own the road
🤪

The majority of policy makers and legislators would be in the older age bracket >25 and remember their youthful exuberance on the road. These same people are ageing and maybe don't want to have driving restrictions later in life.

Yogie wrote:I personally think ALL drivers shoud have to sit a written and practical test every 5 years. The rules change frequently and they are usually not advertised very well so a lot of drivers think the current rules are the same as when they were first licensed. We all get in to bad habits as well so it would be a good wakeup call to find out what you are doing wrong.

Yogie

yeah , what the fark are those white triangle things painted on the side of the road in school zones for 🤪

and people coming out of mcdonalds drive thru on the fwy / hwy merging into the traffic at 110 Ks eating a cheese burger.🤪

ian.mezz wrote:and people coming out of mcdonalds drive thru on the fwy / hwy merging into the traffic at 110 Ks eating a cheese burger.🤪

yeah, it should be at least a 1/4 pounder......why are they stopping for such a smaller burger...bloody stupid 😂

yeah when's the golden arch's gunna serve beer
so inconsiderate

Add the fact that 60 years ago you had to nothing more than rock up at the cop shop to get your license and round abouts weren't even invented.
I know an old bloke that has never had an accident, but somehow there have been 4 pile ups around him!!! All cause by him. I particullary love it when a old fart stops in the middle of the road to let some one in from a side street. OMG
I work in insurance, i have literally seen 50 houses where nan and pops have driven through it, wrong pedal sindrome.

oh by the way, the stupid triangles are called dragons teeth but F$%K knows what they mean.

oh yeah also the over 25 stickers on the back window??
pffft as if anyone under 25 would be caught dead cruising in grannys over sexed lawnmower daihatsu with the sheepskin covered steering wheel 🙄

Yogie wrote:I personally think ALL drivers shoud have to sit a written and practical test every 5 years. The rules change frequently and they are usually not advertised very well so a lot of drivers think the current rules are the same as when they were first licensed. We all get in to bad habits as well so it would be a good wakeup call to find out what you are doing wrong.

Yogie

Spot on! As a rep on the road previously, I saw many jaw dropping manouevers by folk of all ages, colours and creeds.
We really need to get out of the mentality of driving being a birthright and understand that a licence is a massive privilege that should be earned every 5 years.

I was 2 cars behind someone turned right out of our mcdonalds onto a divided road about 2 years ago. (dont know which burger nor age or sex of driver). They drove up and stopped at the the traffic lights about 50 metres up the road just sitting there while oncoming traffic approached.

I wouldnt be against testing of all drivers. What are the chances of paying for the test out of the current rego fee?

Not even 60 years ago birdman. I got my drivers licence 25 years ago in NZ simply by driving around the block and passing the theory test. Dunno what my instructor taught me that reverse parking crap for. I did have to reverse around a corner though. Have never done a test here. My mate who came from a country town in the southern highlands didnt even go for a drive. The cop knew his old man. His underage brother got sent home from the pub by the same cop because he shouldnt be driving by himself on his L's!

Yogie wrote:I personally think ALL drivers shoud have to sit a written and practical test every 5 years. The rules change frequently and they are usually not advertised very well so a lot of drivers think the current rules are the same as when they were first licensed. We all get in to bad habits as well so it would be a good wakeup call to find out what you are doing wrong.

Yogie

That is the most sensible, constructive comment so far.

Age is only one factor involved. You can be a 'bad' driver at any age, and also be a 'good' driver at any age.

Other things starting with 'A' are more important, such as ability and attitude.

I have been driving at GEAR (Golden Era Auto Racing) Club track days at Wakefield Park for the last 6 years. The average age of the drivers is around 70 - some in their 80s. Since GEAR days started, 11 years ago, no-one has hit any-one else! The V8 Supercar boys can't say that.🤪

Cheers, Greg

The thing I hate the most is when you are on the on ramp merging, some ass doesn't giveway and blocks you from getting onto
the freeway. I had that happen 3 times in one week and I only drove 4 time that week and 3 of which were on the freeway. So thats 100% of the time that week this happen.
One of them was a teen guy on his p's and the other 2 times it was late 20's and a mid ages women 😂😬


or or... this one is good. person is merging onto the freeway and is doing 110, then once onto the freeway slows right down to 80 🤪👎

vlad01 wrote:The thing I hate the most is when you are on the on ramp merging, some ass doesn't giveway and blocks you from getting onto
the freeway. I had that happen 3 times in one week and I only drove 4 time that week and 3 of which were on the freeway. So thats 100% of the time that week this happen.
One of them was a teen guy on his p's and the other 2 times it was late 20's and a mid ages women 😂😬

u have to give way..not them...use ur mirrors and shoulder check...plan earlier..come off the accelerator slightly if needed...easy

Hi

The difference I see between senior and younger drivers.

The older driver does bad things on the road and that's usually a mistake, a young person does bad things on the road and its usually a deliberate act.

Reminds me of the old C&W song, "oh lord its hard to be humble, when your perfect in every way"

Steve

h wrote:yeah when's the golden arch's gunna serve beer
so inconsiderate

They do in France! Very hospitable, I thought.

3amigos wrote:

vlad01 wrote:The thing I hate the most is when you are on the on ramp merging, some ass doesn't giveway and blocks you from getting onto
the freeway. I had that happen 3 times in one week and I only drove 4 time that week and 3 of which were on the freeway. So thats 100% of the time that week this happen.
One of them was a teen guy on his p's and the other 2 times it was late 20's and a mid ages women 😂😬

u have to give way..not them...use ur mirrors and shoulder check...plan earlier..come off the accelerator slightly if needed...easy

The roads near my place doesn't have much of a shoulder.
Its taught here in vic that you must clear the way for on ramp cars, moving to the right lane is the common thing to do. Everyone I know knows that rule. Might be different in other states?

I drive heavy transport and the worst drivers merge at or slower
than the traffic.
The better driver enters faster and nests in.

vlad01 wrote:

3amigos wrote:

vlad01 wrote:The thing I hate the most is when you are on the on ramp merging, some ass doesn't giveway and blocks you from getting onto
the freeway. I had that happen 3 times in one week and I only drove 4 time that week and 3 of which were on the freeway. So thats 100% of the time that week this happen.
One of them was a teen guy on his p's and the other 2 times it was late 20's and a mid ages women 😂😬

u have to give way..not them...use ur mirrors and shoulder check...plan earlier..come off the accelerator slightly if needed...easy

The roads near my place doesn't have much of a shoulder.
Its taught here in vic that you must clear the way for on ramp cars, moving to the right lane is the common thing to do. Everyone I know knows that rule. Might be different in other states?

I dont think its the rule in NSW but surely common courtesy should prevail. If I can, I do.

The problem with common courtesy...........It's not that common.👎

HappyDaze wrote:I have been driving at GEAR (Golden Era Auto Racing) Club track days at Wakefield Park for the last 6 years. The average age of the drivers is around 70 - some in their 80s. Since GEAR days started, 11 years ago, no-one has hit any-one else! The V8 Supercar boys can't say that.🤪

Cheers, Greg

Your mates at GEAR might have a few more bingles if they had to drive at 10/10ths because their career and livelihoods depended on it.

I accidently turned right on a red arrow this morning 🤓

amazeer wrote:I accidently turned right on a red arrow this morning 🤓

See, you must be getting OLD.😂

not denying it 🙁

HappyDaze wrote:The problem with common courtesy...........It's not that common.👎

🙂 guess that make me a better driver then. I also keep huge distances behind and in front and while overtaking.

I hate tailgaters 😬

Hmmm. Interesting stuff.

Seems that if amazeer gets his way, I'll have to go for another test soon.
This may be a good thing, as my ability to do anything other than sit in my rocker and dribble seems to be getting stronger by the day. 😵

Nah, frequent testing is a good idea, but it should apply to all ages - not just the old farts like me. A government sponsored "Advance Driving Course" would be nice too.

Have a great Christmas, oh, and a safe Dubbing New Year too.

Old Timer

P.S. Been driving for 37 years, had to pass both a written, oral and practical test. Never had an accident either! Been booked for speeding a couple of times though.

I have been getting a lift home from a new guy at work a few times over the past few weeks. He drives a big square jacked up 4WD with big bullbar on the front. I have to grit my teeth so hard when I am in the car with him. He drives about 5cm from other cars bums, and when they don't move instantly he beeps them, flashes his lights, swerves side to side at the back of them, and basically drives very aggressively. I need the lift home, so I say nothing.

If you ever get the chance to drive on a German autobahn, then you will see what real driving is. You give way to anyone travelling faster or merging. The faster you drive, the clearer your lane is.

Pity you're not in NSW. Nobody else wants to be in the Labor Party so I thought I might give it a shot at premier. Us gold licence holders need only go every 5 years.

To alienate another bunch of drivers, those tradies in the 4-5 tonners are pretty scary drivers too.

Yogie wrote:I personally think ALL drivers shoud have to sit a written and practical test every 5 years. The rules change frequently and they are usually not advertised very well so a lot of drivers think the current rules are the same as when they were first licensed. We all get in to bad habits as well so it would be a good wakeup call to find out what you are doing wrong.

Yogie

I could not agree more - I have been saying this for years.

I have never been fined for anything since passing my car licence 20 years ago, I have been involved in 3 accidents - all caused by other drivers disobeying the road rules and not paying attention (which is against the road rules all on its own) and I thought that I was a good driver. Then, three weeks ago I sat my drivers licence test again - but this time in a 'heavy vehicle'. The actual driving test checks you know all the road rules relating to cars plus all the extra rules relating to heavy vehicles. I did several lessons with a driving school before taking the test and I was surprised at how much I didn't know or had forgotten about the road rules.

I'm pleased to say that I passed my HR licence without a single fault (apparently this is a rare occurrence) and my wife has commented on how much better I drive a car since taking the lessons! 😀

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that regular testing of drivers will ever happen as the cost to the government would be too high... although you have to wonder how much they could save in road safety advertising campaigns and other road safety/crash related expenses if everyone was re-tested regularly....

R 🙂

amazeer - quote: "Why are there no cries to restrict and test older drivers more?"



a'......... if your "...CRIES..." are REALLY serious...... I will issue you a challenge:




I will hand my really OLD licence in, until I can pass the current NSW Licence Test;

IF,

You hand your REGO in, until your DUB can pass Current ADR Standards.

Surely, the same arguments apply........ or maybe it is not really all THAT important to you??

OLDtub.

Accidents are nearly always caused by drivers, not by cars.

OLDtub, you've completely lost me. Not sure what you are saying. (err in writing this reply I think I get it now)

The only VW I own has been sitting in (3 different) garages over the last 15-20 years. If I were to get it in the condition it was in when it left the factory it wouldnt pass the original ADRs let alone the current ones. However I think you'll find that it is a danger only to myself and emissions testing equipment, not other road users.

Sorry you've taken it personally.

Yes Jeff, I agree with the "drivers" not "cars" argument - also a lot of good defensive driving by young and old coupled with the use of modern safety ADR stuff, helps avoiding potential accidents by situations caused by others - young and old.

a, - I haven't taken it "personally" - unfortunately, the pension mob keep telling me that I am far too YOUNG to receive the OLD AGE pension.
Anyway, I had presumed that you were aiming at a generation older than me. (Don't be fooled by my log in - OLD and TUB are number plates on my cars - I am neither old nor tubby, says me.)

My response to your article was to put you on the defensive as your wording seemed a bit NIMBY (test the old bug gers but don't test me) - thanks for defending.
If you have a look on the RTA site, you will see that there are laws in play (in NSW) which do what you are complaining about.

Once a driver is entitled to an Unrestricted Licence, the Points Demerit System (and the Courts) are supposed to keep them in check from then until they reach 75 - when they must have annual medicals - or when their Doctor gets a whiff of some degeneration - he must report them. At 85, bi-annual driving testing is mandatory.
Your argument could be that these numbers are too high - I would agree by 5 years.

I believe that new testing should be applied before being allowed on the road after loosing a licence at any age.

We all have our Old Driver/New Driver stories - if things were as bad as you seem to believe, I am sure that every Insurance Company (money grabbers) and the RTA (revenue raising experts) who both have very competent actuaries, would be applying age levies. In fact the comparative accident histories of "aged" drivers is insignificant compared with the under 25s. So, no special treatment.
In fact the age group that has used the Demerit system the most (over their lifetime) is the 30>49 mob.

Overlaying all of this, there is the Age Discrimination Act (Federal) in play, as is similar legislation in many countries. (There are public fora around the world which would have "pinged" your article and given you a "rest" for a month - rather than risk contravening local prejudice laws). You may have noticed that when filling in various forms, government and corporate, that: age, gender and nationality fields are not mandatory.

My interest in your article was raised due to several friends of mine, who are card carrying oldtimers who are still excellent drivers and racers - you bulked them (discriminately) in with any others who do have poor driving behaviours - they tend not to defend themselves.

Now, my pet road prejudice is with Kiwis - universally considered the worst drivers on Earth. I believe that the government should stop pandering to them and send them to Christmas Island for driving lessons, before allowing them on our roads. They should also be entitled to triple demerit points and deported for a year once achieving maximum points.(All joking of course, but it is just so easy to single out individual groups for ridicule, isn't it?)

OLD-tub-

Personally I don't have a problem with old drivers per se - only BAD old drivers. And BAD drivers do not seem to be confined to any age category! I'm more worried about bad taxi drivers and bad P-platers.

There are lots we can learn from the Germans about how drivers licences - and road rules - should be implemented. Here's some of the features of their system for us to think about:

* The Autobahns have a 'suggested' speed limit of 130 km/h and while many large modern cars legally drive much faster than this, most motorists drive at 130 or less. Slow vehicles must keep right and this law is rigidly enforced. It is illegal to pass on the right. Not all of the Autobahn system is unlimited - busy sections near cities and interchanges may have a 130 km/h limit.

* Normal two-lane highway has a 100 km/h limit. Cities and towns have a 50 km/h limit unless ortherwised posted. Residential areas are usually 30 km/h. The German way is slow in town and fast on the modern motorways - not the mishmash we have in Australia.

* Germany has a 0.08 blood alcohol limit (but 0.05 if you are involved in an accident)

* All cars are required to have a TUV inspection sticker before they can be registered or driven. The TUV inspection is tough and all vehicles must be roadworthy. They can fail cars for excessive smoke or noise, and even having rust spots or dents. This is why less than 75,000 Beetles survive on German roads today.

* Many countries have a 'licence reciprocity' arrangement with Germany, so that you can drive there on your Australian licence. But if you stay longer than 6 months, you need to pass all German tests and gain a full German licence.

* A German licence costs 1,000 Euro ($A 1350). You can start taking lessons at 16½ and can gain a preliminary licence at 17, but these must have a fully licenced driver (aged 30+ with at least 5 years expericence and no more than 3 demerit points) with them at all times. You must be 18 to gain a full licence.

* Parents are not permitted to teach their children to drive. They must attend a professional driving school (Fahrschule), which is compulsory. The school covers all aspects of driving a car, including night driving, Autobahn procedures and experience, defensive skills, in-town driving, emergencies and many other aspects of operating a vehicle. The curriculum also includes mechanical instruction (basic auto theory and repair), road rules and first aid. It takes at least 25-45 hours of practical lessons, and at least 10 hours of classroom theory. All driving school vehicles are dual control. Lessons are available in a variety of languages (such as English).

* After the lessons are complete, the applicant must pass a First Aid test - 'First Aid at the Scene of an Accident' (Sofortmaßnahmen am Unfallort)

* The applicant must pass an eye test by a certified optician (Sehtestbescheinigung). Applicants for heavy vehicle/bus licences must also pass a medical exam and gain a medical certificate.

* The applicant then applies for both a written (theory) and a practical test. The written test is multiple choice but is only available in German. There are 30 questions with point scores from 2 to 5, depending on the difficulty/importance of the question. Questions may have more than one correct answer. Wrong answers have the points deducted. A loss of 10 points or more is a fail.

* The applicant must then pass the practical test. This lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The driver must demonstrate an ability to drive safely, competently and calmly. The test can be re-taken three times at fortnightly intervals. There is no limit to the number of times it can be re-taken, but after the third, sixth and ninth re-takes there must be a three-month gap. The theory test is only valid for one year. If re-taking a practical driving test after 12 months, the theory test must be re-taken too.

* Once gained, a German licence is valid for life. If it is lost (for traffic offences etc) the entire process above must be repeated.

http://germany.angloinfo.com/countries/germany/drivlicence.asp