In the Senior Life column in the print edition of last week's Mandurah Mail we discussed whether it was a good idea for seniors to display an 'S' for senior plate on their vehicle. Here is what some of our readers had to say.
Too quick to label
We are all too quick to place labels on people. I'm referring to P plates for seniors. Why not extend it to habitually convicted drink drivers (a CDD plate), people convicted of driving under the influence of drugs, or non-payment of long outstanding traffic fines. The list goes on: hoon drivers, excessive noisy vehicles. The law abiding senior is easy prey.
Brian Magee, Falcon
Most bad drivers are young people
I think it ridiculous to want seniors to display an 'S' on their cars. Most bad drivers seem to be young people who flaunt the traffic rules, using mobile phones and running red lights. I am in my 70s and love driving in Europe. My husband and I have until this recent pandemic, driven from the UK to Italy most years. I thoroughly enjoy driving on autostradas where drivers are much more proficient than here in WA. I find it patronising that someone would want to demean my driving skills because of my age. I learnt to drive in London where you were properly taught and it is more important to raise the level of skill here. For instance, to learn to merge and stop bumbling along in the overtaking lane. Trucks should keep to the inside lanes to keep us safer and mobile phone laws should be enforced. So many dreadful accidents have occurred recently when drivers have run red lights, and I don't think any of those were seniors.
Marianne Stevens, Halls Head
Do you have an opinion? Email editor@mandurahmail.com.au
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