I have almost gotten into several accidents as a result of elderly drivers running red lights, going down one-way streets, ect. It almost seems absurd to me that they aren't required to retake the driving test at a certain age because when a person ages their motor skills dull, they don't see or hear as well and this affects their driving immensly. What do you think?
2006-10-25 05:04:13 · 15 answers · asked by ashleighana83 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
An excellent example: In 2003 in California, an 86 yr old man killed 10 people, including a 7 month old child by plowing his car into an open-aired market. It is ABSURD that an 86 yr old was allowed to drive a damn car. 10 people lost their lives because of him. And the sickest part is that he had no remorse. He said "Well they should have seen me coming!" I should start a petition or something.
2006-10-25 05:23:32 · update #1
For those of you who said teenagers cause more accidents, I obtained this information from smartmotorist.com:
"In the next 20 years the number of elderly drivers (persons 70 & over) is predicted to triple in the United States. As age increases, older drivers generally become more conservative on the road. Many mature drivers modify their driving habits (for instance to avoid busy highways or night-time driving) to match their declining capabilities. However, statistics show that older drivers are more likely than younger ones to be involved in multi-vehicle crashes, particularly at intersections."
2006-10-25 05:55:15 · update #2
If you were to check with the insurance companies you will find the the worse accidents risks are from youngsters not the elderly.
2006-10-25 05:08:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
What a great question about a sensitive topic. I have seen many elderly drivers causing near accidents, driving well under the speed limit and backing into everything. That being said, I have seen just as many teenagers driving erratically as well. Statistically, young males are more likely to cause accidents than the elderly. Which of course brings up the question, at what age should we issue drivers licenses? I think the problem with taking away licenses from the elderly (assuming we test them and they fail) would be, how would they get around? Let's face it, unless you live in a major city, public transportation tends to be inconvenient and it loses its appeal. I would have to agree with Arnie in that everyone should get re-tested at certain intervals. That way it couldn't be considered discriminatory.
I certainly hope when I get older I will know when it is time for me to get off the road.
2006-10-25 05:42:46 · answer #2 · answered by Bman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, definitely between elders and teenagers they are at high
risk. The elderly should not only be tested by the DMV, but their
Dr. as well. Their Dr. knows them better, they should have a Dr.
note stating that they are good to go. Run all test if possible, eye
exam, hearing, Alzheimer Decease, any other kind of decease
that might enable them from driving right. Oh and just to let you know Elderly do have to retake a writen test, eye site test at the
DMV.
2006-10-25 05:18:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true that most accidents are caused by newer drivers. However once you get a certain age your reflexes, hearing, and vision start to diminish. The older you are the worse it gets. Therefore they should design a test specifically for older people to see if it is safe for them to still function behind the wheel. Remember, going 20 miles/hr below the speed limit can be just as dangerous as speeding.
2006-10-25 05:17:23 · answer #4 · answered by E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think everyone should have to retake the test, regardless of age. The most dangerous drivers are in fact young males between the ages of 16-25. I see ppl of all ages breaking the rules, and most people seem to be baffled by simple things like merging onto freeways and 4-way stops.
2006-10-25 05:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by Gallifrey's Gone 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i have thought that for a VERY long time.....some of these elderly can barely walk and i know they shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car!!!! I think at the age of 60-65 they should have to retake their test every other year if not every year when they go in to renew it!!! I cannot understand why the government cannot see that there is a major problem with this!!!!!
2006-10-25 05:09:13 · answer #6 · answered by polarbaby 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most certainly. Commercial airlineirline pilots have to retire on their 60th birthday so why shouldn't the person operaing a 4000 pound machine on the ground, with people all around, be held to at least a re-test.
2006-10-25 05:09:10 · answer #7 · answered by steinwald 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the province of Ontario in Canada they have to. I think it's every year or 2.
2006-10-25 05:07:03 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if they have Been given any tickets or been in an accident or for some medical reasons
2006-10-25 05:11:13 · answer #9 · answered by rush_acres 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I do. I am over 21. Way over 21. :-)
2016-05-22 12:58:23 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋