Should drivers be retested at the age of 70?

AFTER reading the interview with Rachael Thorold, who was injured and her baby killed when an elderly driver crashed into the pushchair (Mail), I think motorists over 70 should not be able to selfcertify that they are capable of driving safely. When I turned 70, I thought I was a good driver. I took an advanced driving assessment and was horrified at the mistakes I made. This has made me a safer driver. With bigger, faster cars, old rules for holding a driving licence should be re-defined. Bad driving affects all ages, so everyone should have regular, compulsory assessments.

Name supplied, Littleborough, Gtr Manchester.

TO SAY drivers over 70 should face extra tests is neither sensible nor just. i do see some elderly drivers whom i do not think should be on the road, but also many younger ones who are not competent, but there is no criticism about them driving. Often i see parents on the school run who are paying more attention to their children in the back seat than to the road. it’s often the quick reactions of others that prevents a nasty accident. There is probably a case for all drivers to be retested regularly, but this would be a major administrative task.

RICHARD MARTIN, Portsmouth.

THE stereotype of every driver over 70 being a doddery old fool who can’t see is misplaced. This age group has to renew their licence every three years and declare any medical issues. Stigmatising a generation is unfair.

C. HELSDON, Newport Pagnell, Bucks.

MY WONDERFUL husband is 73 and has been diagnosed with alzheimer’s disease. he functions well except for memory problems and struggling with words. he was a police officer for 30 years and a highly trained driver, but decided to stop driving because he no longer felt he was safe behind the wheel. it was not an easy decision to make for a man who has always been strong and independent, but he couldn’t bear the thought of ever being responsible for causing harm. i often see older people who are obviously not safe to be driving. Their nose is almost touching the windscreen because they can’t see properly. it is arrogant not to accept that our faculties lessen in old age. i only wish other elderly people would be as sensible and thoughtful as my husband.

ANTOINETTE FOERS, Sheffield.