‘Hated’: Push to get Boomers off Aus roads
Older drivers could be forced off our roads if a push for nationwide tests is successful after a series of very dangerous accidents.
When are people too old to drive? Should you stop elderly relatives from driving?
Those are tricky questions – ones that hit the inbox of motoring advice columnist Iain Curry this week.
“He hated us”
I welcome the Victorian Government’s review into driving licence requirements for older drivers, in the wake of the fatal crash in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old.
Unlike other states and territories, there are no mandatory medical or practical tests for Victorian motorists.
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Why? Removing an elderly person’s licence may impact their quality of life, but it’s selfish and dangerous to assume you’re a safe and vigilant driver in old age.
My sister and I forced our father to stop driving at age 82.
He hated us for it, but was in denial of his failing powers of observation and reactions.
We couldn’t risk him killing someone.
Ryan Haskins, email
“Testing should be mandatory”
difficult subject, but national consistency makes the utmost sense. Currently, no medical test is required to keep a car licence in VIC, TAS, SA or NT.
It is once over 75 in NSW, QLD and ACT, and over 80 in WA.
Only NSW mandates a practical test, every two years, once over 85.
I feel that’s not good enough. Asking an individual if they think they’re fit to drive is like asking a schoolkid to mark their own homework.
If we really care about road users and pedestrian safety, this issue must be taken more seriously.
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A few years ago, locally to me, a six-year-old girl died when hit by an 86-year-old driver on a pedestrian crossing.
It was pedal misapplication.
That changed my views on the topic, and I believe regular, practical retesting should be mandatory for all.
Every ten years up to age seventy, then at least every other year after that.
– Iain Curry
Send your motoring questions to cars@news.com.au
Originally published as ‘Hated’: Push to get Boomers off Aus roads
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