"This is pure age discrimination. They cannot provide any evidence or figures to show that drivers aged 70 and over would be more often involved in accidents."

The European Union wants elderly people (70+) to undergo medical tests from now on to prove that they are still capable of driving a car every five years. However, the proposal has been met with a lot of criticism.

  • Chaotic Entropy@feddit.ukEnglish
    42·
    1 year ago

    There’s a pretty serious concern here about the mobility and independence of the elderly… but that can’t be put over and above public safety. I see either very anxious and hesitant, or completely off with the fairies and uncaring elderly drivers on a frequent basis.

    They wouldn’t get anywhere near a licence if they had to demonstrate their competence even once more, let alone semi-regularly.

    • ChrystalBlurbs@feddit.deEnglish
      11·
      1 year ago

      Mobility for the eldery IS important but IMHO there should be affordable, easy accessible options without the use of a personal vehicle. Otherwise it get’s harder and harder for the eldery to participate in social activities which are beneficiary to mental health and prevent early symptoms of Alzheimers disease.

      • Chaotic Entropy@feddit.ukEnglish
        5·
        1 year ago

        Well, indeed, nobody actively wants the elderly to be forced in to solitude and isolation. If anything, the advent of driverless vehicles would be of greatest benefit to them rather than tech bros who want a nap.

      • cestvrai@lemm.eeEnglish
        4·
        1 year ago

        Here in the Netherlands I see a lot of old people being bussed around point-to-point with minibuses. Likely limited to the bigger cities though where there also better normal public transit options.