hippy-
They've just run someone down. Fuck their mobility.
As I said, if it's an eyesight issue, there needs to be some action about that. Most likely it's a moment of inattention. I don't excuse that, and as you well know, I'm very critical of drivers. But for the time being, unless some reason for disqualification is found, they still have the same legal right to drive as others who might be younger. Sure, a law disqualifying everyone from driving who hits someone could be passed tomorrow, but it doesn't exist.
For many elderly people, there is additionally the problem that such changes can be devastating for them--I mean, there comes a time to stop doing all sorts of things once you get to a certain age, but people can deteriorate rapidly when no longer able to get about. And yes, I'd love it if everybody cycled, but the simple fact is that for some people, that's not an option (any more or they've never done it). That's too bad, but if there is sustainable change that reduces road danger, it will largely come from natural generational change, not from trying to force people who will tend to be very set in their ways to change them.
So, yes--they should definitely have a look at what they're doing, especially possible eyesight issues, but I certainly think it's wrong to rush in and talk about banning them from driving. They were probably mortified and very shocked.
It would be interesting if amac090 could report back on what happens with the insurance claim. Again, hope everything comes off smoothly.
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Oliver Schick
Well, if that's so, that's a decision for them to make. Pressure to stop driving often comes from within the family. It's likely that driving is their form of mobility, so shouldn't be taken away so lightly.
I don't think it's a fair argument based on just one crash. Thousands of much younger drivers say the same thing all the time. It's in all probability not down to age, but driver inattention is quite simply one of the most frequent causes of crashes. The main issue with older people can be their eyesight. It's an ageist myth that older drivers are particularly dangerous--most crashes are caused by younger drivers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37292951