Have you ever questioned if elderly drivers are still capable of operating a vehicle? First and foremost, should they be obliged to take exams, in the same way that retaking an exam is required? There is no denying that age is not everything. Nonetheless, some indicators ought should encourage prudence.
Is it safer to drive after the age of 75?
Something awful has happened in La Rochelle. When an 83-year-old driver struck a bunch of kids riding bicycles, multiple individuals were hurt. Her riding direction was incorrect. It is unclear from this accident how old a person may drive securely.
The Road Safety Authority estimates that drivers over 75 are just as likely to be involved in accidents as young persons between the ages of 18 and 24. Although this analogy may seem remarkable, it is clear that as people age, their eyesight, reflexes, hearing, and concentration issues can become problematic.
Does driving have an age limit?
It’s surprisingly easy: no.
Except in the event of a significant offence or a court ruling, the B licence is valid for life in France. A private vehicle can be driven by anyone at any age without undergoing a required medical examination or test.
Instead of requiring health examinations after the age of 70 or 75, like Germany or Italy do, France has opted to emphasise personal accountability.
An Ingenious Fix
Senior drivers can request that a licensed physician or their doctor assess their ability. In addition to evaluating vision, reflexes, and coordination, they may advise avoiding specific dangerous circumstances or driving exclusively during the day.
Also, refresher classes are a fantastic alternative. Seniors who take these classes can improve their understanding of current material (such roundabouts and driving assistance), re-learn the Highway Code, and receive constructive criticism on their driving.
Prepare your car and your driving: a successful strategy
As we get older, driving might become much simpler when we go from a manual to an automatic gearbox. Throughout France, special training are being held to raise awareness of these useful changes among senior drivers.
Some driving schools also offer senior-friendly lessons with individualised supervision and comforting assistance.
What would happen if we stopped blaming?
Smarter encouragement of older drivers is preferable to stigmatising them. They frequently have decades of incident-free experience, after all. Their knowledge is priceless, but a little assistance in keeping current can make a huge difference.
