OLDER people should have to retake their driving tests or have medical check to ensure they are fit to be behind the wheel.
That's the verdict of Worcester News readers following Prince Philip's car crash in Norfolk, which left the 97-year-old royal shaken and a passenger in the other car with a broken wrist.
Pamela Lynott said: "A doctor may assess someone's health to drive, but they shouldn`t dictate alone whether that person can actually drive - only a driving examiner should do that, after a health check."
Rich Raymond said: "Age does play a factor, reaction times are diminished in most cases. I think there should be reassessments throughout a driver's lifetime. People pick up such bad habits and become complacent."
Joy Bonham said: "97 is a wonderful age but maybe not the best for driving."
Luke Ford said: "You're more likely to have a accident within the first six months of passing your test compared with the six months before you hang up your keys.
"I think we should all do a test every 5-10 years. It’s bad habits that cause accidents."
Kate Mogg said: "I stopped to help yesterday in Worcester after an elderly couple knocked a cyclist of her bike. The cyclist is heavy bruised and the elderly couple visibly shaken also. It’s a difficult conversation to have with your relatives as to when to stop driving as it is their main independence."
Hayley Lewis said: "Near where I live there is a busy road with a zebra crossing. At least twice weekly a driver will drive straight over it. 99 times out of a hundred it's been older people."
Sam Gravesy said: "Once you turn 65 you should do your test every five years. So many elderly people are a danger on the road."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel