Do you still drive? Age?

Ubers are popular in Sydney because they arrive promptly (usually within 10 minutes) compared to a taxi driver who is likely to hold out for a longer destination and often doesn’t bother to turn up at all.

It’s a popular way to earn extra money - all you need to get started is to own a nice, newish car, provide a state driving record, apply for a PTLC (passenger transport licence code) and have a background check.
 

Ladybj said:
Very good idea about the age!!
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81, and I'm completely comfortable driving. My last at fault accident was at 18 -- a minor scrape. Since then I've been rear ended several times, but that's it. Our current car (2018 Hyundai Kona) has some safety features that are common in new cars, which I like a lot and would not be without. Lane change warning that beeps frantically on the freeway if a car is in the blind spot. Also beeps if anything is in range while backing up, and it applies the brakes automatically if anything is perceived to be entering a danger zone because of speed differences or proximity.

The not too distant future holds the promise of Level 4 and Level 5 "self driving" cars. Level 4 would be self driving under most, but not all, conditions and locations. Level 5, presumably no steering wheel. I hope to live to see a Level 4 car. Level 5, I doubt I'll be around. BTW -- My wife who is 3 years younger, quit driving about 5 years ago.
 

I am not a driver, so perhaps shouldn't be on this thread, but having worked in a garage in my student days, I do think that perhaps a refresher driving test could be done when one reaches a certain age? Roads have changed, drivers have changed, and I do think it's important that today's drivers are aware of what's going on these days. It's about demonstrating confidence and ability as a driver. I wouldn't consider driving these days (never driven a car in my life), so I admire those who are still on the roads!
 
I've just turned 73, and am driving anywhere and everywhere. Trips out of state with my GPS, piece of cake. The trick is to watch all sides, and the flow of traffic. I am not afraid to venture somewhere unfamiliar, as I have always said, "I'm never lost. I'm always somewhere". In fact, I'd rather drive than be a passenger in my friends' vehicles. I trust myself.
 
Haven't driven at night for 4 or 5 years, unless it's been on the expressways. The glare from on-coming cars hasn't much effect while on the on the expressways and people walking along the edge ofthe road enaturally isn't a problem.

This past year my left eye is starting to "give up the ghost" so I've limited my driving even more. Pretty much local trips to doc, pharmacy, kids houses, etc. Still have no trouble at 65-70 highway speeds.

My wife gave up her license last year at 85. I'll be 89 next month and hope to keep driving for a bit longer. Luckily we're surrounded by kids and grandkids and they take care of us when we have trips to the eye doc and have our eyes dialated.
 
Supposedly, studies (a lot done by the U.S. National Transportation & Safety Board) have shown that close to 70 percent of car accidents happen within 10 miles of where you live. I guess maybe they're at a slower rate of speed, though, so that makes it safer for some to just do their driving closer to home?
 
No accident for 20 years--I'm 70. Then two accidents in the past 90 days--neither which were my fault--so insurance is going up. Drive every day here in town. Take road trips of 10-12hours, drive in the mountains. Don't care for night driving in the rain or snow but otherwise I'm fine.
 
officerripley said:
Supposedly, studies (a lot done by the U.S. National Transportation & Safety Board) have shown that close to 70 percent of car accidents happen within 10 miles of where you live. I guess maybe they're at a slower rate of speed, though, so that makes it safer for some to just do their driving closer to home?
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That is an interesting idea to ponder or consider.

Though, Perhaps it's simply because most people do most of their driving within 10 miles of home.
Or, perhaps some of the people who should not be driving, for any of various safety reasons, still drive close to home.

Or perhaps the familiarity of nearby, leads to too little attention from the driver?

I thought the familiarity with the close-by roads, and with the destinations, is very helpful to safe driving, or is that wishful thinking? I don't know.
 
NorthernLight said:
I'm 70. I love driving on not-busy streets and highways.

Some years ago I developed a fear of winding mountain roads. That's my only handicap. It's significant though, as I live in an isolated part of British Columbia.
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Having driven in those conditions, decades ago, I think that is a very valid difficulty.

Driving the winding mountain roads, it is impossible to see much of the other vehicles, either behind or in front, nor can one see what natural road changes, or debris in the roadway, is close ahead, so there's little or no warning of imminent challenges.

Extreme driving caution is warranted, there, I would say.
Bad weather conditions are also more difficult on that type of road, than on other types.
 
I'll be 80 in December and still drive, and intend to drive even if they take away my license. How else will I lead a normal life? I am aware that because of age, I may have slipped a little, so I drive accordingly such as double checking when pulling out into an intersection.
 
Chet said:
intend to drive even if they take away my license.
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Don't know what the laws are where you live but around here, in accidents involving 1 or more unlicensed drivers, even if the unlicensed driver was not at fault, a lot of the time, a civil lawsuit is filed against the unlic. driver.

A case here from a couple of years ago: a driver who I think was even still licensed but very elderly, while driving hit and killed a middle-aged bicycle rider. The driver was found to be at fault so his license was taken away and then the family (wife/kids/parents) of the bike rider he killed filed a lawsuit against him; elderly driver ended up losing his house, etc. in addition to his license.

And there've been numerous other cases with UNlicensed drivers getting the book thrown at them both legally and civially. So another reason to put one's house and anything much else valuable in someone else's name, especially if you plan to keep driving past having a license.
 
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