From time to time this  issue comes up - especially after a,   roadtraffic accident  'caused' by an elderly driver.  I  fully  understand the feeling when someone's loved one is a victim of such an accident. 

There is no solid evidence that people beyond a certain  arbitrary  age, become  unsafe  and  irresponsible drivers!  Of course there must be proper vetting of disabled and handicapped drivers , with illnesses and conditions influencing dexterity, consciusness and affecting decision making process. Such   'vetting' does already exist  and most responsible  motorists , old and young, abide by it.

Looking strictly at the motoring accidents due to driving  errrors  , the vast majority of them occur when the driver is between  18 and 30;  should we call for banning all individuals in that age-band !!  Various research studies have been carried out in different parts of the world , mainly in western countries  and  in  the  majority  older drivers have come out better.  They  usually drive  within  their  'limits',  use  known routes avoiding  difficult crossings /roundabouts or junctions   at busy times  and  if  with some visual difficulties  avoid  driving at night.   They also drive   more  responsibly  with  care  and attention , behave much better to other fellow motorists ,   adhere to the highway codes and  do not  use mobile phones   whilst driving!   Of course things are bound to go wrong sometime - and  there will take place some  odd human errors in judgement.  

Let us now look at the overall social consequence of  older people NOT allowed  to drive.  Who  will take them  to supermarkets ( after all most of the local corner shops have closed now), to the  town centre post office ( a large number of small post offices have also been shut), to the Banks  or simply to visit friends and relatives to socialise?  Will those  individuals calling for such a 'driving ban'  accompany  them giving lifts  to  all those areas ?  Will the state provide suitable transport from their door-step? How much additional  'dependency'  would that  generate  and its overall  costs?

Whilst all sensible  people are deperately trying to keep the elderly 'independent' for  as long as possible, is  this  'driving ban for over 75s' a sensible proposal on grounds of proper evidence? Let us leave it to the motoring insurers.