Senior Drivers?

Question

Other than the fact that AARP is opposed to it and politicians all kiss up to them, why shouldn't we test people for operator's permit occasionally after a certain age...say 70.

Many people in this age group are great drivers and perfectly safe. However, many have slower reflexes and greatly reduced hearing and vision and are dangerous to themselves and to others.

Wow---after I posted this I was watching election results and saw a man who had to be 80+ who had crashed into a polling place here in Ohio. He looked totally confused about where he was.

Answer 1

I think that you are on to something there. I'm also for shortening the length of time you have your license after a certain age before you are tested.
With auto safety what it is I would not object to tests for everyone renewing their licenses just to be fair.
Although it is very hard for seniors or anyone to give up the independence that driving provides, slower reflexes are inevitable after a certain age and the safety of other motorist is paramount.

Answer 2

If you really want to get the driving "safe" EVERYBODY needs to be checked every 5-10 years. People here get drivers license very easily, and don't even know how to drive! Try and get one in Europe, (where they make sure you actually can drive), - and you will see what I mean! There are very few under the age of 25 that drive cars, -- they have to learn on motorbikes or something else before Lethe are given the opportunity to drive the "ultimate deadly weapon"!

I'm a "senior driver", and kind of think the same thing about you younger folks, - who think the road all belongs to you, -drives too close too fast and ignores about 50% of the "rules of the road"!
Toady alone I successfully avoided "tee boning" two "newish" pickups with drivers both under the age of 35, both seemed to think that the stop sign didn't apply, because the "car with the right of way"- (me) was smaller than they were, and just drove right on through - barely slowing down!

Now talk about 90, and I'm more with you , - maybe every 4 years!! My Mom is 86, and she is starting to push "the envelope!" She still drives safe enough, but gets lost easily!!

Answer 3

I believe that no matter how old someone is that they should be able to drive if they pass the eye test and hearing test are in good health.It makes me so mad that anyone of any age can drive with severe health problems.I think they should make it the law that if you have diabetes that requires insulin,heart problems,or uncontroled blood pressure that your licences should be taken.They do it to truckers so why not people who drives a regular vehicle? I know a truck can do more damage but a life is a life regardless of a trucker takes it or a 4 wheeler takes it due to health problems.I think all drivers of any vehicle should have yearly health examines and the doctor should have to report to the place where you get your licence on any serious health risk.

Answer 4

well personally they should be tested yearly after they turn 60 and have a doctors note. if they are on medication that alters their driving capiblities they should not drive . . . a 62 yr old I work with says she blacked out as she backed out of the parking garage and into someone elses car, but she was able to pull off and drive her self home. The next day she was confronted by security(they had it on camera) she told them her medication makes her black out yet she still drives while taking it.

Answer 5

Eleven states have renewal restrictions for seniors.

This would only be equitable if all people were tested every time they renewed. While yes, seniors get involved in accidents, there are an enormous number of terrible drivers who aren't seniors.

Answer 6

I completely agree! I have been a medic for 11 yrs and have seen more than my fair share of accidents caused by elderly drivers more than any other age group. I think it should be 60.

Answer 7

make it at age 50+

Answer 8

im old and im pround jus trying to get points