When is too old to drive?

The thought of ever having to take my driving test again would fill me with dread. Although I was actually very confident about my driving ability, the mere fact that I was sitting a test made me really nervous and I failed my first exam. Thankfully I passed second time so only had to go through to nightmare twice. But retaking it at 17 was bad enough so I would hate to think what state I would be in if I had to take it in my old age. And for that reason I hope that I never have to.

Having said that a 93 year old driver called Jack Higgs is swaying my decision somewhat. Mr Higgs lives next door to a Porshe showroom and he managed to somehow lose control of his Ford Fiesta and accidentally hit two Porshes causing £60,000 worth of damage.

He can’t explain how he lost control of his car (whilst reversing) with it somehow ending up on it’s roof with poor Mr Higgs handing upside down. Mr Higgs now says “But that’s it - the end of my driving career, I’m never driving again.”

So maybe there is a good reason to retest when we reach our old age after all our reactions and attention must be much slower.

Maybe when I am old our public transport will be the envy of the world and I won’t mind using public transport to get around, but then again maybe I can catch a ride on that flying pig!!!

Add comment April 17th, 2008