oowee Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 5 minutes ago, London Best said: I want to keep driving as long as possible because I just do not want to use public transport, ever, anywhere. As Miseryguts says, it is full of germ ridden people that I do not want to be with. 🤣 that would be me and @oldypigeonpopper then. I drive but if there is a chance to use public transport then I will. £4 Bristol to London can't be wrong. On a night out, there is no way I want to drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted October 30 Author Report Share Posted October 30 25 minutes ago, London Best said: I want to keep driving as long as possible because I just do not want to use public transport, ever, anywhere. As Miseryguts says, it is full of germ ridden people that I do not want to be with. I would not hesitate to use public transport , you can get germ ridden people in the supermarkets , doctors surgery , hospitals and the list can go on and on . The buses nowadays are mainly clean and comfortable , if you have got the time which most of the retirees have then it's a no brainer , when we went to Norwich it was around a 50 mile return trip , at the time we went the timetable was every 15 minutes and from Yarmouth to Norwich there was only one stop , the bus station in Norwich is only a matter of yards to the shopping centre , you don't have to wait in the q to park your motor and when you do find a parking place it is now around 2 / 3 pound an hour , I would sit on the top deck and look over the marshes at views you wouldn't be able to see from your motor and not only that when you are driving you have to keep your eyes on the road , with the buses running that regular you very rarely get the buses full and if they were you normally get a younger person offer you there seat , looking 125 have got there advantages Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minky Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 I don't think that auto headlights affect the elderly anymore than any age. Bright is bright. I have the use two cars, one is manual dip and the other is auto dip. The headlights on the auto one dip and high beam very quickly AND have been checked for aim ect but some drivers going the other way flash me as if I am driving on high beam.! There isn't much that I can do about what they see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clangerman Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 positive I’m still ok but see plenty who are not the way they crawl along is a good sign they are no longer confident or competent enough to drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 2 minutes ago, Minky said: I don't think that auto headlights affect the elderly anymore than any age. It's difficult to know because as well as any age related changes to my eyesight (in good order and no unexpected issues identified at eye tests) - headlights have changed out of all recognition. My own perception (based on both sunlight and headlight experience) is that my eyes respond less quickly to bright lights (sun, or headlights) and take longer to 'recover' from dazzle. I did mention this to the eye test man - and he says that is all part of normal ageing and everything is working as it should. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 1 hour ago, oowee said: 🤣 that would be me and @oldypigeonpopper then. I drive but if there is a chance to use public transport then I will. £4 Bristol to London can't be wrong. On a night out, there is no way I want to drive. hello, just got off the bus but could not see any germ ridden people 🤔😄 £4 !!!!!!, that is less than a box of cartridges!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 1 hour ago, Wilts#Dave said: Agreed, my parents are both in their 70’s, my Dad nearer 80 but drive locally 99% of the time and are well aware of their limitations so to speak. Making them do a test full of roundabouts / motorways etc would be unnecessary and not a good way of ascertaining them being ‘safe’ on the roads. Whilst I have witnessed older peoples poor standard of driving on occasion, I also witness equally poor driving from younger folk daily (those who can’t reverse / drive erratically etc etc), yet they managed to scrape through their driving test somehow! When I am in South London, which is where I am at the moment, there has been a massive influx of Hong Kong Chinese people in the past couple of years. Their driving is definitely erratic, not aggressive, in fact the opposite,but they clearly don't understand a lot of our ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 1 hour ago, oldypigeonpopper said: hello, just got off the bus but could not see any germ ridden people 🤔 That’s the problem. You can’t see it but some of them will have it! I just do not want to mix with the general public. Incidentally, I last got off a bus (which I had been obliged to catch) in 1972. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 Every time that an elderly driver is involved in a fatality, there is the usual clamour for banning drivers over 70 / 80 or for re-tests. Whilst I would have no problem if my eyesight was tested, as I get it done for my own benefit. However, I fail to see why there should be any further rules / restrictions. According to insurers, the main culprits are under 25s. 25 year old knocks someone down - probably happens each and every day - not exactly news. Elderly drivers - in my limited experience - tend to drive slowly (within the speed limits) and stick to areas they are familiar with. Whilst arguments about reaction times seem reasonable, older people don't tend to drive with the arrogance of youth, having more experience and caution. Why is there no clamour for a retest at 25, or when some has passed their test over 10 years ago? I see truly awful examples of driving each time I drive. The current standard of driving is getting worse. Get on any motorway and wonder why the inside lane is almost empty, whilst the middle and outer lanes are nose to tail. Tailgaters abound, with the confidence of Lewis Hamilton, but the skills of a gnat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 30 Report Share Posted October 30 1 minute ago, Gordon R said: Every time that an elderly driver is involved in a fatality, there is the usual clamour for banning drivers over 70 / 80 or for re-tests. Whilst I would have no problem if my eyesight was tested, as I get it done for my own benefit. However, I fail to see why there should be any further rules / restrictions. According to insurers, the main culprits are under 25s. 25 year old knocks someone down - probably happens each and every day - not exactly news. Elderly drivers - in my limited experience - tend to drive slowly (within the speed limits) and stick to areas they are familiar with. Whilst arguments about reaction times seem reasonable, older people don't tend to drive with the arrogance of youth, having more experience and caution. Why is there no clamour for a retest at 25, or when some has passed their test over 10 years ago? I see truly awful examples of driving each time I drive. The current standard of driving is getting worse. Get on any motorway and wonder why the inside lane is almost empty, whilst the middle and outer lanes are nose to tail. Tailgaters abound, with the confidence of Lewis Hamilton, but the skills of a gnat. agreed, but as a driver who is or will soon be elderly (depends on you viewpoint!). In my own view I am far safer now (experience, no longer hot headed, not in a hurry for everything) than I was say 30 years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted October 30 Author Report Share Posted October 30 One thing we , I say we as I am sure it is just not me that would find driving on motorways pretty daunting , I have done it several times when I was younger but haven't touched a motorway for a number of years now , we get used to rural roads in Norfolk and following tractors are part of everyday driving but the times you see irate drivers trying to overtake slow vehicles is certainly increasing . MM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHE Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 In the past I've driven everything except a bus, and I used to do a lot of miles too, which I think has helped me to stay OK in my old age. But now I only drive around 4,000 miles a year and just drive a car, and my standards are slipping a bit, which may or may not be related to my age. I find it harder or slower to read situations, especially at junctions etc that I don't know, and I avoid driving on unlit roads when possible, because I struggle with oncoming headlights (maybe not helped by driving a small, low car) and get tired. I'm against compulsory tests and don't think that I will ever take a voluntary test - I have family and friends who I drive around, and they will tell me, very clearly, if they don't think that I should continue driving. A lot of people don't seem to like driving on motorways but personally I find them to be the easiest roads. What will end up stopping me driving? Probably insurance cost, it's now going up a lot every renewal, even though I have a perfect driving record. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 21 hours ago, Vince Green said: Where I live in Cornwall a lot of people would be stranded without their cars OK I know that you shouldn't put yourself in that position but there are other factors at play that are evolving over time Cuts to the bus services, loss of local shops, building new houses in ridiculous locations on greenfield sites where you have to drive miles to access shops, doctors, schools. Often these new builds are small two bed houses aimed at retired people who are downsizing because they are still too dear for young people to afford. Without a car you would have a problem That's all working to a plan in the pipeline where we are all confined to very small geographical areas by the removal of more freedoms? Makes it very easy to quell and control the population? Plans afoot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 21 hours ago, Miserableolgit said: I’d like to keep driving as long as possible as we are out in the country and off the public highway in an old farmhouse. The nearest public transport from the village is only a sparse service from the nearest village. The prospect of losing the ability to go somewhere when I want without interminable waits for buses full of potentially germ laden folks (I’m immune compromised) does not fill me with joy. My vehicle has auto lights including dipping LED headlights. I dislike the auto dipping because as others have said they are slow to react. Same applies to the auto dip rear view mirror. Anyone who used the old floor mount dip switches like me soon got used to dipping as soon as an oncoming vehicle came into view. Suppose it depends on the car maker. Mine are faster to dip than humanly possible. 13 hours ago, marsh man said: One thing we , I say we as I am sure it is just not me that would find driving on motorways pretty daunting , I have done it several times when I was younger but haven't touched a motorway for a number of years now , we get used to rural roads in Norfolk and following tractors are part of everyday driving but the times you see irate drivers trying to overtake slow vehicles is certainly increasing . MM Certainly now, irrespective of age the general driving standards are ****. No one seems to indicate or give a rats rear about others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 46 minutes ago, old man said: Suppose it depends on the car maker. Mine are faster to dip than humanly possible. I agree. My previous car was VERY fast to dip, although there was a certain amount of 'false' dipping from things like road signs etc. It was also fairly reliable dipping for single lights (motorcycles and even bicycles (with decent lights). I did use it, but often preferred to use the manual setting. My present car (16 years younger!) is MUCH less good and unless I'm prepared to knowingly be a very antisocial driver (which I'm not) is effectively unusable. It ignores single lights, and often fails to dip at all. Unfortunately, the main dealership has 'checked it' and it is all working to specification and has 'no errors' showing. Basically - the computer says "all is well", so all must be well. It is apparently 'not adjustable'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 15 hours ago, Gordon R said: Get on any motorway and wonder why the inside lane is almost empty, whilst the middle and outer lanes are nose to tail. On smart motorways sensible drivers do not drive in the slow lane. I have seen this advice several times on car owners Facebook groups. If there is a broken down car, the slow lane is is where it is likely to be. At 70 mph you are going to come upon it incredibly quickly The evidence of fatalities on smart motorways bears out that this is not bad advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 (edited) 16 hours ago, marsh man said: but the times you see irate drivers trying to overtake slow vehicles is certainly increasing . MM It happens here in South London where I am at the moment. Many of the roads (even the big major A roads) are 20mph now, thanks to the mayor's anti car policies. If you try to stick to the speed limit cars are overtaking you all the time. Or tailgating you trying to get passed Edited October 31 by Vince Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 Vince - I agree about smart motorways, but I meant the normal three lane type, with a hard shoulder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DUNKS Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 7 hours ago, Vince Green said: On smart motorways sensible drivers do not drive in the slow lane. I have seen this advice several times on car owners Facebook groups. If there is a broken down car, the slow lane is is where it is likely to be. At 70 mph you are going to come upon it incredibly quickly The evidence of fatalities on smart motorways bears out that this is not bad advice. Fine if you do see the stopped car in front of you, but how do you get into the next lane, by now you have slowed and the packed motorway is doing 70 plus?. I see in my travels that the whole of the M1 is to be smart. Roadworks are building extra laybys So make sure if you do breakdown its near one!😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted October 31 Report Share Posted October 31 7 hours ago, Vince Green said: It happens here in South London where I am at the moment. Many of the roads (even the big major A roads) are 20mph now, thanks to the mayor's anti car policies. If you try to stick to the speed limit cars are overtaking you all the time. Or tailgating you trying to get passed Just returned from Wales, plenty of people trying to push me up the road ignoring the 20? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted November 1 Report Share Posted November 1 On 29/10/2024 at 19:22, Westley said: I am fully behind a competence test, including an eyesight test, each time my licence comes up for renewal. I went on one of these assessments, organised by the local Council. I'm glad to say I passed with flying colours. The assessment lasted for around 2 hours, I used my own car, and it included motorway, rural and town driving. In fact I quite enjoyed it. My only 2 faults were failing to indicate when turning left at traffic lights, (I was the only vehicle at the junction ? There was nobody to indicate to !) and failing to indicate at a roundabout, again I was the only vehicle there, I presume the assessor had to find something. I even got a Certificate 😊 Judging by some of the examples of driving I witness daily, it is NOT just the elderly that need assessing. Oh, and I'm a couple of years older than you. When doing the advanced driving test, you are told it is totally unnecessary to indicate if no other vehicle can be seen. Either things have changed in 40 years, or your assessor wasn’t fully cognisant of the requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted November 1 Report Share Posted November 1 3 hours ago, Old Boggy said: When doing the advanced driving test, you are told it is totally unnecessary to indicate if no other vehicle can be seen. Either things have changed in 40 years, or your assessor wasn’t fully cognisant of the requirements. THAT is exactly why I did not indicate. They used to be called 'aircraft signals'. IF there is nobody there, WHY are you indicating ? In fact, not indicating shows your awareness of what is happening around you. 13 hours ago, old man said: Just returned from Wales, plenty of people trying to push me up the road ignoring the 20? I live on a 20mph road where the average speed is 35 plus. NONE of the speeders appear to be elderly drivers either 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welsh1 Posted November 1 Report Share Posted November 1 23 hours ago, Vince Green said: On smart motorways sensible drivers do not drive in the slow lane. I have seen this advice several times on car owners Facebook groups. If there is a broken down car, the slow lane is is where it is likely to be. At 70 mph you are going to come upon it incredibly quickly The evidence of fatalities on smart motorways bears out that this is not bad advice. 21 minutes ago, Westley said: THAT is exactly why I did not indicate. They used to be called 'aircraft signals'. IF there is nobody there, WHY are you indicating ? In fact, not indicating shows your awareness of what is happening around you. I live on a 20mph road where the average speed is 35 plus. NONE of the speeders appear to be elderly drivers either 🤔 There is no "slow" lane on a motorway.(pedantic i know but one of my pet hates) While current practise is not to indicate if there is nobody there, i would encourage everyone to always indicate when doing a manouver where you would use them if there was someone there, the reason being that you may not have observed a vehicle that was in a blind spot, a split second flicking an indicator on may save someone elses life or even yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted November 1 Report Share Posted November 1 42 minutes ago, Westley said: THAT is exactly why I did not indicate. They used to be called 'aircraft signals'. IF there is nobody there, WHY are you indicating ? In fact, not indicating shows your awareness of what is happening around you. I live on a 20mph road where the average speed is 35 plus. NONE of the speeders appear to be elderly drivers either 🤔 Our nearest town is now all 20mph. I take great pleasure in keeping to this limit just to annoy the boy racers and many others. I am a miserable and pedantic old *** though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted November 1 Report Share Posted November 1 Hello, When I passed my Test many many years ago I was told a 3 Lane Motorway was , The inside was the slow lane, Lorries etc. middle was the normal driving lane, out side was the over taking lane, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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