OAPs need their cars

Yet another accident involving an elderly driver highlights the question of whether people over the age of 70 are competent to drive.

It is very sad this latest incident caused death and injury, but before the cry to ban all elderly drivers goes out, please do not judge all of us in the same way.

Statistics show that in many instances the elderly are much safer than the young tearaways who zigzag through the traffic, crossing lanes without a single signal and who show a complete disregard for anyone else on the road.

I am 85 and have been driving for more than 53 years with just one very minor bump, which did not cause any injury and very little damage.

I have kept up with the road conditions and drive regularly. I admit that, if I were to be in the position of learning to drive today, I would be very nervous at the way some of the young people seem to ignore everything in the Highway Code.

Having kept up with my driving, I still feel confident behind the wheel, but I know my limitations and no longer undertake the extremely long journeys I used to take in my stride.

I know some elderly motorists drive almost at walking speed, causing frustration to many, but please do not write us all off just because of our age. Most of us undergo regular health checks, and these include our ability to be behind the wheel. For many of us our cars are our lifeline — if we were unable to drive, we would be housebound.

Name supplied, Chatham, Kent. How I agree with Patricia Colquhoun (Letters), whose son was killed by an elderly motorist. I had the same trouble with my elderly father when he was still driving and suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

My mother was reluctant to give up the car, despite my insisting that I should drive them everywhere.

the crisis came when on missing his turning, my father stopped dead on a main road and reversed back towards his junction, mounting the kerb in the process.

even this incident did not persuade them to stop driving and, in desperation, I asked my father’s doctor to inform him that his driving days were over. the doctor told me my father had to raise the matter before he could intervene.

So I told the doctor what he had done and, horrified, he rang dad from the surgery. I found out later that my sister had independently visited the doctor herself to say the same thing.

I loved my parents and the thought they could have killed someone by their obstinacy horrifies me.

I agree testing at 80 is a good idea, but my dad died at 79, and his illness debilitated him for a good few years before his death. A ‘competency to drive’ test for patients with known medical conditions would be better. Not everyone has caring, responsible relatives to keep an eye on them. Mrs BARBARA WEAVING,

Paignton, Devon.