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submitted 2 years ago by Showroom7561@lemmy.ca to c/bicycles@lemmy.ca

Horrific. Very fortunate that there weren't any fatalities.

Can't wait to hear the excuse explaining this one.

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[-] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 25 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Nah, hitting 8 cyclists is a straight license revocation in my book. At 77, there's no chance they're getting it back.

[-] fpslem@lemmy.world 7 points 2 years ago

Agreed, but regular driving tests should be required for older drivers that haven't had accidents. The risk is too high and cognitive decline is too common to ignore.

[-] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 4 points 2 years ago

Agreed. Make it every 10, and more frequent once you're over 70 or so.

[-] fpslem@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

Above 70 it should be maybe every 5, and above 80 every 2. And shucks, if you're driving at age 90, it should be annually.

(Obviously, the real problem is that cars in America are required to live, work, eat, etc. I hope to find a way to not need to drive when I'm that age, it's why I fight for changes to my city to make it liveable without a car.)

[-] sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 years ago

Agreed on all accounts.

I wish I didn't need a car. I don't really like driving, and cars are big and expensive, but my lifestyle wouldn't be possible without one, at least in my area. I'd much rather bike and use transit everywhere, but that's unfortunately impractical unless I accept a 1.5-2 hour commute each way to work.

That said, if I was retired, I could probably get away with it. Most things can be delivered, and I wouldn't be pressed for time so I could use the slower modes of transportation to get around. Even paying for taxis or Ubers or whatever would be fine for doctors appointments and whatnot. That's impractical now, but it's feasible for a retiree.

[-] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 years ago

Just an FYI, but statistically speaking, younger drivers are far more likely than those over 50, to get into accidents.

I came across the stat after our government proposed mandatory testing over a certain age, something like every few years. And to me, it just seemed like age discrimination after looking at the numbers.

In fact, the number of accidents caused by older drivers seemed so low that they lumped everyone over 50 into one group, while they had to split up other ages into much smaller groups as not to make the numbers seem crazy high for their demographic.

If those 18 to 25 are causing more accidents, why not retest them every few years? Older drivers, while the potential for cognitive and motor impairment is higher, don't seem to be the problem.

Most will be told by their doctor to stop driving, or there will be other signs of driving impairment (small things like hitting a curb while trying to park) that would set off red flags long before a major accident.

Now.... turn it around to ebikes, and there is absolutely a trend of older riders getting into crashes vs younger ones.

[-] fpslem@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago

For the record, I think the data support more rigorous training and testing for young drivers too.

It's pretty ridiculous that a written test and a 10 minute drive with a teat administrator give Americans the right to pilot multi-ton death machines just inches from people and children.

[-] BCsven@lemmy.ca 4 points 2 years ago

Its why male 18-25 insurance is so high. stats.

[-] RubberElectrons@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago
[-] elbarto777@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago
[-] RubberElectrons@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago

Only if one's imagination is limited 🤭

[-] elbarto777@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

Well, there are imaginary numbers, so you have point!

[-] Showroom7561@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 years ago

LOL. I do agree!

this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2024
139 points (95.4% liked)

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