Letter: Deaf drivers face ageist slur

Deaf drivers face ageist slur

Sir: What justification has Madeleine Neave (letter, 12 July) for her suggestion that hard of hearing people should be debarred from driving cars? I have known several profoundly deaf people who were safe and excellent drivers.

Most drivers with poor hearing are the more observant and quick to act on the evidence of their eyes and consequently among the safest on the roads. This is confirmed by my own insurers.

Let not this ageism deny us the right to drive while our eyes can be relied upon. Test eyes when need arises, but careless youth, not experienced age, is the major cause of road accidents - and hearing has nothing to do with it.

JACK PENYCATE

Guildford

Surrey