6 replies to this topic

[mdavies]

Technology used to help older drivers stay on the road

A team at Newcastle University are developing technology to assist older people continue driving. Research includes the development of a 'Granny-Nav' that calculates the safest route avoiding right turns and other complex junctions. [PocketGPSWorld Weekly Newsletter - April 2012]

Accidentally posted before finishing my intended title and seems cannot edit, so apologies to readers who believe this may not be applicable to them!

But mainly am I right to feel uneasy about this?

Edited by mdavies, 19 May 2012 - 07:36 PM.

[TBD]

could there be conotation to April 1st in that (April) newsletter? Woild certainly hope so.

[mdavies]

Thomas, my first thought too but dated the 27th April, and I did check this link - perhaps should have posted it.
http://www.pocketgps...e-road-4343.php
And this one.
http://www.ncl.ac.uk...ers-on-the-road

Edited by mdavies, 19 May 2012 - 07:55 PM.

[Bibs]

Oh dear. I'm all for compulsory re-tests, it's amazing they're not already in place!

[mdavies]

OK, I've decided I'm not uneasy, I'm very concerned! As a minimum, a "Granny Nav" should be licenced for use only provided the vehicle is painted fluorescent pink with the word "UNSAFE" in huge black letters on front, rear and sides!

Bibs, one problem with retests is that excellent, highly skilled and experienced drivers (you, I and a few others) do not drive in the same way as that required to pass the beginner's driving test. Yes, I expect some revision and updating to the latest highway code would do me good, but for the practical aspect a different kind of assessment would be needed. For those of an age or condition when their fitness to drive is seriously questioned, yes, the basic procedures of the beginner's test might again be appropriate, but it all gets very complicated and uncertain unless criteria are defined absolutely by age. That of course would be hugely unfair, for the obvious reasons.

Edited by mdavies, 22 May 2012 - 09:26 PM.

[Bibs]

Perhaps in that case, doctor referred re-tests for people for whom reactions may become an issue.

If a right turn is a problem, a kid stepping out in front of the car is one too!

[molemot]

Passing the current driving test doesn't mean you can drive. It means you are considered safe to allow out, on your own or with passengers, to carry on learning. No matter how long one has been driving, one should always criticise ones own driving and keep thinking about it ... the problems arise when drivers become blasé about driving and bimble around with their brains up their fundamental orifices. This has nothing to do with age..... Medical conditions, eyesight for example, are measureable and ought to be subject to regular testing - for everyone. However; if there are people out there who plan routes to avoid right turns or similar hazards, then they shouldn't be driving at all....and they probably know this already!