Taxi Drivers: How old is too old?

[GeoTommy]

Elderly taxi driver dies in smash - The Standard

The driver, named Lau, 78, was said to have blacked out behind the wheel before the fatal crash.

...it was not uncommon for drivers to work more than 10 hours a day. And it could be very dangerous as many of them are old.

Should taxi drivers really be working past the age of 75?

To be fair though, some of those drivers are quite fit, go hiking/climbing on off days, like what they do, and could very well live past 90 years old.

Regulations of the Transport Department say all drivers aged 70 or above must pass a body check annually to stay on the road.

Would be better if the Transport Department did the checkup once a year for drivers aged 60-65, twice a year for ages 65-70, and quarterly check ups plus enforced max number of work hours for ages 70+.

[Rob2020]

I'd like to see some investigation into this, of course I know it won't happen.

I'd like to see proof/results from his previous 8 body checks for one thing.

Regardless of the results, something akin to what GeoTommy said above has to be put in place - this is a public liability issue

[shri]

You guys have no sense of imagination. Fitness tests?!? Proves nothing.

Setup an Indi 500 type proving ground and make the drivers drive for 12 hours. Bus, Mini-bus, Alphard drivers have to pass this test and a minimum of 30 vehicles should be on the course at all times.

Host this in the west kowloon cultural hub ... several of HK's problems will be solved in 1 single inexpensive solution.

[kimwy66]

You guys have no sense of imagination. Fitness tests?!? Proves nothing.

Setup an Indi 500 type proving ground and make the drivers drive for 12 hours. Bus, Mini-bus, Alphard drivers have to pass this test and a minimum of 30 vehicles should be on the course at all times.

Host this in the west kowloon cultural hub ... several of HK's problems will be solved in 1 single inexpensive solution.

But the Alphard drivers will be parked in the outside lane of the track for most of the time, so not much of a test for them.

[Mat]

I think the bigger question is more what kind of society do you want to live in?

One where 78 years olds are forced (yes some people work late in their 70ies and 80ies because they love it, I gather that it is unlikely that most Taxi Driver in that age range do it for pleasure) to work to live or one where 78 years old are retired, still participate in the society by joining non profit org, activities and enjoy their families?

HK is so backward on all of this. scrap fitness test and seek long term solution to improve the conditions elderly live in this so called world city.

[flameproof]

I think the bigger question is more what kind of society do you want to live in?

One where 78 years olds are forced ....

Not too many alternatives.

[shri]

But the Alphard drivers will be parked in the outside lane of the track for most of the time, so not much of a test for them.

With racing cars and mini buses around them? I'm sure at 11:30 hours into the race, there will be some testing moments.

[JAherbert]

I think the bigger question is more what kind of society do you want to live in?

exactly, no retirement really. even where companies and government force retirement at 65, with a good pension, many use their connections to go back to work, often taking very senior management roles, leaving little room for younger and middle aged people to advance.

It must be one of the reasons why Hong Kong as so little innovation nowadays if you are 70 year old manager maintaining the status quo is an easier path, just collect your pay every month without upsetting the apple-cart.

If you are retired construction worker, etc. there are few choices except driving mini bus, taxi, etc.

[Zero Gravitas]

But the Alphard drivers will be parked in the outside lane of the track for most of the time, so not much of a test for them.

Have someone dressed as a traffic warden pace the outside of the track, that'll get them all moving again.

[Apjace]

It's very sad to see so many old people struggling and taking up activities like this to eke out a quite miserable life, I'm sure.
Very poor reflection on HK.

On a lighter note, my 92 year old grand uncle got a 10 year driving license extension at age 90. Finally forced to stop by his children at 91. (Rural South India)

Not too many alternatives.