Elderly drivers, we see them coming along a busy road and we pull out as soon as possible! Due to their age we think that they are going to be slow, unpredictable and dangerous, but is that the case?
Hanging up the car keys
We’ve all heard those stories! The old man in his K registered brown Rover going the wrong way around Sainsbury’s roundabout or the old lady driving up the wrong way of the motorway. People over the age of 70 are at a higher risk of causing road accidents, deaths and casualties due to poor eye sight, lack of judgement, speed, concentration and hearing.
Last month saw the accident involving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. The pictures told the story with his Land Rover Freelander on its side. But we may forget that the Duke of Edinburgh is 97-years-old! Is that too old to be driving a vehicle? Should it be that it takes an accident like this where a innocent persons life was in danger before the individual realises their driving skills are not as good as they once were? Luckily since the accident, Prince Philip has retired from driving, but in July 2017 figures suggest that 108,777 drivers in the UK are over the age of 90 which is a very high number.
Re-taking a driving test
Is there a solution? Or is it a good idea to force people over the age of 70 to have a refresher course to see if they are still capable of driving safely?
In conversation with my grand parents Kenneth and Gloria Richards, they are very capable and observant drivers. Being the ages of 89 and 83 years of age, I asked a few questions on what they thought about elderly drivers and whether they agree on any restrictions and enforcement’s.
Q’s
Do you think if a person is too old to be driving it should be down to the individual. Or should it be down to the government and relatives to decide?
”It should be down to the individual, we are not all the same. Some people of an age should be straight off the road but some others not at all. Some are more capable than others”.
As drivers of an older generation, do you feel that people over the age of 70 should have a refresher test or re-test for their license?
”Yes. We do think people over 70 do forget things, they are a bit inclined to think that they are better than they are and should be checked. That goes for us too”.
Do you think that both of your driving skills have got worse over the last couple of years?
My Grandmother went onto to say, ”No we think both of our driving levels have stayed the same, your grandfathers reflexes are still the same and his observation is just as good as it was 20 years ago”
Not all elderly drivers are dangerous. Some are very good in fact, but the problem is that taking advice and having a possible refresher course could be vital for some. It would make elderly people realise if their driving isn’t safe or up to speed whether they should continue driving or not. In the UK it is still up to the driver on whether it is time to hang up the keys. But should there be intervention from the Government (DVLA) or family members, to make that decision?
When you’re a student, it can be tricky to get on the road at an affordable price. Take into account tax, petrol, maintenance and insurance, car ownership is quite simply, a financial nightmare. However if you set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it, there are a variety of cars that you can get, building your way onto the car ownership ladder. They are…
Toyota Yaris (1999-2005)
The first iteration of Toyota’s super-mini was a ground
breaking car. Great looks, economical engines, bulletproof reliability,
durability and quality, the Yaris was certainly a car that you can trust as
well as enjoy owning. Its oddball design may not be to everyone’s taste, but
that’s what makes the Yaris left field; a sensible choice among buyers. The
interior looked as though it had been designed from the next century, with
curves and a centrally mounted digital dashboard made the Yaris extremely
futuristic compared to the competition. A clever sliding rear seat to increase
boot space or legroom also benefits the Yaris in being one of the most
ingenious small cars around. Added to that, punchy 1.0, 1.3 and 1.5 VVT-I
(Variable Valve timing with intelligence) petrol engines gives decent economy
whilst delivering decent power. (Insurance group: 5 for a 1.0 T-Spirit model)
Honda Jazz (2001-2008)
The Honda Jazz, like the Toyota Yaris is an extremely reliable and sensible choice for young car buyers. Practicality is the main priority with the Jazz, a 5-door body style on offer only, as well as having one of the biggest boots in the small car sector; managing to swallow a bicycle. The Jazz certainly won’t disappoint in the space department, however the Jazz’s overall design may put young people off because of the boxy shape and tall roof line, but if you ignore that, than the Jazz should be at the top of any students car shopping list, because if you want a practical reliable cheap car, the Jazz is in a class of its own. (Insurance Group: 12 for a 1.2 S model)
Nissan Micra (2002-2010)
If you want a car big on technology, the Nissan Micra has a
Mercedes-Benz in its sights for technology. Models built between 2002-2010 were
the third generation, and personally speaking one of the best Micra’s ever
produced. If you want automatic air-condoning, keyless entry, parking sensors
and automatic headlights, the Micra can offer all of that for less that £1500. If
you go for an SE model you will be able to find all of that equipment for
around £1300. Furthermore, it’s cute looks and clever sliding rear-seat, the
Micra is a great all round cheap car for students. (Insurance group: 6 for a
1.0 E model)
Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2013)
The Mitsubishi Colt has always been a very affordable proposition, as well as great engines and a spacious cabin, the Colt is all about the simplicity of car ownership, which is getting you from A to B with the smallest amount of fuss. The interior quality may not be the best with scratchy hard-brittle plastics scattered everywhere, but you have to look beyond that with the Colt and see it for being an extremely cheap car to insure, which for a student is more important than anything else with the 1.1 CZ1 model being insurance group 10. (Insurance group: 10 for a 1.1 CZ1 model)
Mazda 2 (2003-2007)
The Mazda 2 basically underneath is a Ford Fusion, but don’t let that put you off. The Mazda 2 was Mazda’s first proper small car sold in Europe. It demonstrated that small cars like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz could be practical. Like the Jazz, the Mazda 2 has a high roof line and boxy shape to give occupants inside the most possible space, as well as economical engines the Mazda 2 is a really easy car to drive and live with, and because it’s Japanese, it certainly won’t be an endless money pit. (Insurance group: 7 for a 1.25 S model)
Toyota Aygo (2005-2014)
Built in conjunction with Citroen and Peugeot, the Toyota Aygo makes the top 10 because of its rock bottom running costs and Toyota’s fantastic reputation. With £30 tax and fuel economy of 60mpg, as well as low insurance groups, with Sport and Active Plus models in insurance group 2. Any student will really appreciate the running costs of the Toyota Aygo, plus it has plenty of equipment such as USB and auxiliary cables, so young drivers can hook up their music to the car stereo as well as bold colour and decals to make their Aygo stand out from the rest of the crowd. (Insurance group: 2 for a 1.0 Fire model)
Ford Fiesta (2002-2008)
A nation’s favourite, with the current Fiesta at the top of the best sellers and it’s easy to see why. Affordable pricing, good looks and cheap insurance means the Ford Fiesta is still one of the best cars for students, especially if you just want a no nonsense state of the art car. Available with either a 3 or 5-door body style, the Fiesta offers a lot for the younger driver with sporty models such as Zetec S models which add a touch of sporty styling whilst keeping small engines to keep insurance groups at bay. (Insurance group: 5 for a 1.3 Finesse model)
Volkswagen Polo (2001-2009
It maybe a tad boring, but the Volkswagen Polo is a dependable solid car that will deliver a comfortable driving experience. The looks might not get your hearts racing or the interior which is about as grey as a businessman’s suit. Overlooking those negatives and the Polo is a very good car. The engines maybe weedy, but they provide low insurance and impressive fuel economy and the Polo has a big car feel which will encourage and give the driver full peace of mind when behind the wheel. (Insurance group: 5 for a 1.2 Twist model)
Hyundai Getz (2002-2008)
Not a popular choice, but it’s certainly a wise one. The Hyundai Getz was one of the best cars to come out of South Korean back in the mid 00’s due to its European design, decent ride, handling and affordable pricing. The 1.1 and 1.3 petrol engines are powerful enough whilst retaining fantastic fuel economy, and because it’s a Hyundai; it comes with reliability built in as standard. Also with the top model CDX trim coming with a sunroof, air-conditioning and four electric windows, it’s well-equipped too. (Insurance group: 9 for a 1.1 CDX)
Honda Civic (2001-2006)
A Japanese car built in the UK, Swindon precisely. The Honda Civic like any other Japanese car has legendary reliability, alongside excellent customer care the Civic brings a touch of perceived quality in a practical hatchback body. A smooth range of engines and comfortable driving experience puts the Civic at the top of those looking for an easy to drive and practical car. The 3-door model is a better looking car than the 5-door, but all models come lavishly equipped, and even top specified models such as the SE Executive come with a full leather interior. The Honda Civic is a great car for a student looking for something a little different from the small hatchback class. (Insurance group: 9 for a 1.4 Vision model)
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