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EU wants over 70s to prove they can still drive every five years (www.brusselstimes.com)

submitted 1 year ago by CAVOK to c/[email protected]

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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.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you're over 65 I don't think actually driving is the only thing stopping you from getting around. Imagine your grandparents with a VCR and then imagine them using on of them "Google thingies" to control a car.

[–] Sheltac 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I’d expect it to be similar to setting up a phone for my grandma. Pre-load the addresses they’d usually get to, and have the car call someone in the family for help if anything goes out of the ordinary.

I don’t really see a problem with that side of things, tbh.

[–] Baconheatedradiator 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What you're ignoring in this hypothetical situation however, is that self driving cars won't be 'self driving' for long long time.

Level 5, fully automated vehicles (where the driver can literally be asleep, and doesn't have to pay attention or intervene) are a long way from being implemented onto public roads. Ill be surprised if we see level 5 automated vehicles in 2040 like many manufacturers seem to believe.

[–] Sheltac 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oh it’s very much an “eventually” solution, and we should 100% have solutions for the acute problem we’re seeing now.

For instance, properly supported seniors would not have a need to drive at all.

[–] Baconheatedradiator 3 points 1 year ago

Yeah that's fair and I very much agree!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Not every old person has someone who would help them with that. May not be your experience, but it's true nevertheless.

Nevermind that it's not a solution for people who can't get into a car (people in wheelchairs for example).

A self driving car then basically offers the same service as a taxi. And with a taxi you do not have to take care of the car (repairs, registration, etc).

[–] Sheltac 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A taxi would be, in principle, substantially more expensive.

And elderly people with zero support network are a separate problem, albeit a serious one. Also quite sad.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I do not agree that it is more expensive than owning a car "in principle". Cars are very expensive. You have to buy and maintain them.

Wether or not a taxi is more expensive will depend heavily on the amount and length of trips you have to take.

Also, for me it is not entirely a separate issue. Car dependent societies will alway have issues for people that cannot drive a car (children, elderly, disabled people). The real solution ist building infrastructure that is inclusive for all. This will also improve support structures. Self driving cars don't solve any of these issues.