I don’t think it is a specific age.
I do, however, strongly believe, that we should only be driving if we have the strength and mobility to drive safely (for instance if arthritis reduces head movement, or arm/hand strength, then driving is no longer safe).
Also reflexes. These slow with age.
Also vision. Distance vision, cataracts, night vision, etc.
These things may deteriorate with age. But people of any age can experience them to the extent they are unsafe to drive.
As I said, I feel pretty strongly about this, having watched two generations of my family move through their 70s and 80s and seen the significant reduction in the safety of their driving.
The changes include
- reduced observation
- reduced road awareness
- reduced car width and position awareness
- slowed braking reaction time
- reduced navigation/familiar road recognition
- and increased stress in busy traffic or at junctions
- also slowing down when other traffic approaches
I am now at the stage when I have begged them not to drive any more and refuse to get into a car with them behind the wheel. This has all been openly discussed, but my opinions are dismissed by the older generation. I suspect because they are unwilling to accept the loss of independence.
That is totally understandable, but if they are not safe on the roads, then they are risking the lives of their passengers and other road users, which I do not think acceptable.
