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gettin2dizzy
30-10-07, 08:29 AM
Pensioner drives wrong way up M6
An 82-year-old woman was stopped by police after she drove for four miles the wrong way along an unlit section of the M6 on Sunday night.
Police said "numerous" drivers spun out of control and one car crashed swerving to avoid the pensioner's Peugeot in the fast lane near Shap in Cumbria.
Patrol cars halted the woman, from Windermere, near Shap Beck. No-one was seriously injured in the incident.
A police spokesman said she could face a charge of dangerous driving.
He said it was a "miracle" a serious collision had not occurred.
He said: "We believe she was going the wrong way for up to four miles and she was travelling between 60 and 70 mph in the southbound fast lane.
"The motorway at this point is remote without street lighting and drivers travelling southbound would have only been aware of the approaching vehicle as it was almost upon them." The driver of a Daewoo car was treated for whiplash at the scene after crashing into the central reservation to evade a head-on smash with the Peugeot. The pensioner was taken to Penrith Police Station for questioning following the incident and the Crown Prosecution Service will now decide if she should be charged.
the Crown Prosecution Service will now decide if she should be charged.
Is there any doubt?
Pedrosa
30-10-07, 09:27 AM
Come on now, a little respect for your elders. You'll be old yourself one day!:p
I think once you get to75 licence taken off you regardless, revoked full stop!! This clown should be charged with dangerous driving and be banned for life!
Insurance companies bang on about how older people make safer drivers, well sorry how can someone who is 74 have the same reaction speeds as a 30 something , they cant!! Chances are their eyesight and hearing are a lot worse as well.
So IMO are just as lethal as a drunk driver in some ways.
Also why do they drive so slow, causing others to get angry and take risk??
gettin2dizzy
30-10-07, 11:36 AM
How old is Jackie Stuart?
fizzwheel
30-10-07, 11:47 AM
How old is Jackie Stuart?
A quick google reveals he was born 11-06-39.. oh and its Stewart, not Stuart..
I have to say that old lady should just have her license taken away. Going the wrong way down the motorway eek...
Jester666
30-10-07, 11:48 AM
68. Do I win anything? And Stirling Moss is 78!
I think once you get to75 licence taken off you regardless, revoked full stop!!
My dad is 73 next birthday, I don't think he'd thank you very much for that comment, As he's still biking and driving everyday. Please don't tar everybody with the same brush.
Also a lack of public transport in rural area might be a major factor into people of older years driving.
Biker Biggles
30-10-07, 12:41 PM
My old man flew in the RAF in WW2.If you work out how old that makes him and he is still driving.He doesnt go down the motorway in the wrong direction and has a pretty much unblemished record.Why should he have his license taken away just because some other bint of similar age cant drive?
Gross disrespect for the generation who saved this country from conquest IMO,and some people should know better.You know who you are Im sure.
erm, my take: Ownvership of a drivers licence is a PRVILEGE not a right.
Mine expires 1 day before my 70th birthday - I assume that I'll have to reapply or take the test again.
I'm happy to do. You get older things fail. If I pass a test it proves I have the competence/faculties needed. If after the test I was involved in an accident then it would help to assuage some of the culpablility.
My old man flew in the RAF in WW2.
That doesn't prove his fitness to drive now though.
My dad is 73 next birthday, I don't think he'd thank you very much for that comment, As he's still biking and driving everyday. Please don't tar everybody with the same brush.
Also a lack of public transport in rural area might be a major factor into people of older years driving.
My old man flew in the RAF in WW2.If you work out how old that makes him and he is still driving.He doesnt go down the motorway in the wrong direction and has a pretty much unblemished record.Why should he have his license taken away just because some other bint of similar age cant drive?
Gross disrespect for the generation who saved this country from conquest IMO,and some people should know better.You know who you are Im sure.
No dis respect to either, but i am sure that now neither of your folks are as agile or as sharp at reacting to quick hapening situations as they once were.
me thinking that they the 75+ should have their licence revoked has nothingto do with me not being greatful or respectful for the sacrifice they gave for their country and our future.
yes i agree that lack of public transportis a big issue for keping a lot of people on the road.
I think the age and condition of a driver shouldbe taken in to concideration when insurers decide who is at fault. I need glases for driving and if i was caught after an accident and it was my fault cos i did not see something then it would be my fault, just as i think if an old frail slow reacting driver caused an accident they shold be to blame.
Biker Biggles
30-10-07, 01:17 PM
One mad bat of 82 cant tell which way to drive down a motorway does not mean the other million drivers over 75 are equally stupid.Its no more sensible than saying that no one under 25 should be allowed to drive because they are all too impulsive and immature.Its an individual thing.You are either fit to drive or not,whatever your age.
As it happens,every driver over the age of 70 needs to renew their license every three years with a health check which is the correct way to deal with failing abilities rather than random sweeping statements based on prejudice.
Pedrosa
30-10-07, 01:26 PM
One mad bat of 82 cant tell which way to drive down a motorway does not mean the other million drivers over 75 are equally stupid.Its no more sensible than saying that no one under 25 should be allowed to drive because they are all too impulsive and immature.Its an individual thing.You are either fit to drive or not,whatever your age.
As it happens,every driver over the age of 70 needs to renew their license every three years with a health check which is the correct way to deal with failing abilities rather than random sweeping statements based on prejudice.
Hard to disagree with that, therefore I won't even try.;)
One mad bat of 82 cant tell which way to drive down a motorway does not mean the other million drivers over 75 are equally stupid.Its no more sensible than saying that no one under 25 should be allowed to drive because they are all too impulsive and immature.Its an individual thing.You are either fit to drive or not,whatever your age.
As it happens,every driver over the age of 70 needs to renew their license every three years with a health check which is the correct way to deal with failing abilities rather than random sweeping statements based on prejudice.
I think every year would be better!
Flamin_Squirrel
30-10-07, 02:14 PM
No dis respect to either, but i am sure that now neither of your folks are as agile or as sharp at reacting to quick hapening situations as they once were.
me thinking that they the 75+ should have their licence revoked has nothingto do with me not being greatful or respectful for the sacrifice they gave for their country and our future.
yes i agree that lack of public transportis a big issue for keping a lot of people on the road.
I think the age and condition of a driver shouldbe taken in to concideration when insurers decide who is at fault. I need glases for driving and if i was caught after an accident and it was my fault cos i did not see something then it would be my fault, just as i think if an old frail slow reacting driver caused an accident they shold be to blame.
You ride a motorbike and get shot at for a living.
If you really consider old people a serious risk on the road then I suggest before worrying about them you sell your bike and quit your job first.
You ride a motorbike and get shot at for a living.
If you really consider old people a serious risk on the road then I suggest before worrying about them you sell your bike and quit your job first.
True, and yet I still fear old people more!! That is how much their road craft worries me.
gettin2dizzy
30-10-07, 02:51 PM
If you can't control your bowels. What hope have you of controlling a car?
Pedrosa
30-10-07, 03:02 PM
If you can't control your bowels. What hope have you of controlling a car?
Neio has trouble with his bowels?:confused:
erm, my take: Ownvership of a drivers licence is a PRVILEGE not a right.
How can it be a privilege to have a licence? You do your training, you take your test, you pay for your vehicle, pay to tax and insure it... In a free world it is NOT a 'privilege' that someone on high has seen to grant the masses.
Yes, re-test, re-train to keep safe standards but by no means should you consider it a privilege to drive. That's utterly ridiculous. If you attain the standards required for safe driving it is your RIGHT to do so.
Bluepete
30-10-07, 03:30 PM
I think a licence is a privilege too. After all, you can have privileges removed, but not your rights.
Plus it was a woman, so why are we all acting so surprised?
Only joking, honest!
Pedrosa
30-10-07, 03:36 PM
You folks best be carefull. I would be surprised if say the 70 to 85 year old age group cause more accidents than say 25 to 40 year olds. Who of course have all of their faculties and bodilly functions in full control,dont they?;)
How can it be a privilege to have a licence? You do your training, you take your test, you pay for your vehicle, pay to tax and insure it... In a free world it is NOT a 'privilege' that someone on high has seen to grant the masses.
Yes, re-test, re-train to keep safe standards but by no means should you consider it a privilege to drive. That's utterly ridiculous. If you attain the standards required for safe driving it is your RIGHT to do so.
When I get a mo' I'll retrieve the legal quote I was referring to.
Flamin_Squirrel
30-10-07, 03:47 PM
I think a licence is a privilege too. After all, you can have privileges removed, but not your rights.
Plus it was a woman, so why are we all acting so surprised?
Only joking, honest!
Of course you can have your rights removed. 'Rights' are just something that parliment grant you, and something that they can take away.
I agree with Ping, driving isn't a privilage. It's deeply depressing that the government has such a strangle hold over everyones lives that they can convince anyone otherwise. Although I wouldn't consider driving a 'right' (see my point above).
redbouy
30-10-07, 06:43 PM
what do you first think when you read the following
20 yr old blond female drives 5 miles up moter way on the wrong side. cause's multi car crash
20 yr old chav male drives 5 miles up moter way on the wrong side. cause's multi car crash
40 yr old mum drives 5 miles up moter way on the wrong side. cause's multi car crash
each one has done the same thing, but what do you really think when reading.
age is not the problem at the end. the "person" is at fault. caused multi car crash plus all the other problems. Banned for 5 years and have to resit. the crash ? wouldnt like to say on that. Fined and ??
How can it be a privilege to have a licence? .
Cos you have to prove you are worthy to have it!!!!!
Alpinestarhero
31-10-07, 08:50 AM
I think there should be regular assesment after a certain age, nothing major, but an eyesight test, a reaction test, and an assesment of ones driving. If the assessor deems you unfit to drive, you have one more chance (to allow for the occasional "off" day we all have) but between those assesments you are not allowed to drive
Matt
gettin2dizzy
31-10-07, 09:42 AM
Cos you have to prove you are worthy to have it!!!!!
Nobody has ever won an argument starting with 'cos' ... ;)
Cos you have to prove you are worthy to have it!!!!!
Privilege:
a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor ; especially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office.
It is NOT a privilege.
You do your training, you reach the standard necessary to pass the test. By doing so you acquire your RIGHT to drive until such a time as you give reason to disqualify you.
Ceri JC
31-10-07, 10:04 AM
You folks best be carefull. I would be surprised if say the 70 to 85 year old age group cause more accidents than say 25 to 40 year olds.
I think you'd be surprised how close the two groups are, in terms of "accidents per person". The latest research shows old folk are not, in fact, the safe slow drivers insurers have assumed them to be all these years. They are in fact the main party responsible for pulling out on people at junctions (poor eyesight/reactions are blamed as the main cause, although both are associated with old age). Oddly, insurance quotes seem not to have caught up with this yet, but then, they don't reflect many things particularly accurately in terms of cost vs risk, so that's hardly surprising.
As someone else mentioned, there's also the other associated risk of anti-socially slow driving (which whilst not exclusive to old people, is certainly more prevalent amongst them). I know it's the 'fault' of the impatient knobber in a car who does a dodgy overtake and has a head-on after being stuck behind someone doing 25 in an NSL for 10 miles, but it's caused by slow drivers. If people (young and old) are incapable of driving close to the speed limit in good conditions (HGVs etc. obviously excepted), they are probably incapable of good vehicle control at slower speeds too.
As to the healthcheck every 3 years, I was under the impression that this was an unenforced legal requirement and that the onus was on people to get themselves checked and 99% of them didn't bother to and many weren't even aware that it was required? I've also not heard of insurers insisting on proof of this are renewals time.
It's a sad state of affairs; many people even when retired do need a car/bike, irrespective of what environmentalists/people who've never left central London think. Labour's centralisation of NHS hospitals, GP practices and Post Offices has made this even more the case. I suspect that part of the problem is with an inadequate public transport system in most of the country, many older drivers who realise they are probably past it continue to drive as they have little alternative. I respect old people generally (aside from when they try to push in queues ;)) and definately think that the many good older drivers who are still in complete control of their vehicles (often bolstered by a huge amount of driving experience) shouldn't be penalised with draconian measures introduced to deal with the batty/incompetent/nearly blind, etc.
I would like to see people like the slow-reacting, myopic and arrogant 90 year old (who genuinely seemed to believe he had done nothing wrong) who pulled out on me on a roundabout off the road. Even when he was found to be at fault (and by multiple independent witnesses too), he still didn't think he'd done anything wrong. I suspect he still drives in the same dangerous manner. He is much more of a threat than most of the <25 boy racers I see around town in Corsas etc. As an aside, I also suspect that prosecutions against people of his age are brought less frequently as, it's seen as "oh he's just getting on a bit", rather than "this young blood needs to be slowed down before he hurts someone".
Ceri JC
31-10-07, 10:06 AM
It is NOT a privilege.
You do your training, you reach the standard necessary to pass the test. By doing so you acquire your RIGHT to drive until such a time as you give reason to disqualify you.
Why is my licence due to expire shortly before my 70th birthday then? If it's a 'right', why can't I drive till I'm dead, or actually do something wrong that results in my disqualification? Surely just "getting old" wouldn't result in the stripping of a right?
It is NOT a privilege.
You do your training, you reach the standard necessary to pass the test. By doing so you acquire your RIGHT to drive until such a time as you give reason to disqualify you.
I can't find the exact quote I was after but the following article has some stuff that may have some bearing (http://www.guardian.co.uk/transport/Story/0,,2115263,00.html#article_continue):
"Those who keep and drive motor cars have accepted certain responsibilities and obligations "
I would argue that is a privilege not a right.
So... we think that having our rights doesn't come with responsibility? Oh boy.
Ceri - No. If you reached the age and passed your re-test then I would argue you retain your right to drive until your next re-test. If you failed, then not.
Filipe M.
31-10-07, 10:52 AM
You have the privilege to remain silent...
Ops, sorry, carry on... :oops:
gettin2dizzy
31-10-07, 10:52 AM
To live in a country that requires travelling by car it is indeed a right, the Governments constant suburban developments is responsible for this. You may choose to live in the countryside where your transport problems are your own making but for many of us living near your place of work is unaffordable. But as Ping says a right is something that still carries responsibility, it's the 'I've got the right' Trisha brigade that claim when they have kids to 8 men and they have a right to a house and benefits that annoys me.
You may have a right, but that right still needs earning.
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