Where I live, an 84 year old woman crashed into a school cafeteria and killed an 8 year old boy. No one even knows, as of yet, why she was even there at the school. She failed to stop her car until she was across the room.
2007-01-29 22:51:28 · 14 answers · asked by Randzz 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
That is awful, how tragic. Yes, I do believe that the elderly should pass a safe skills test every year, as their conditions can deteriorate very quickly. Obviously the elderly woman in this case was not of "full mind" so to speak. I have heard of many accidents like that where they have been confused. There are enough drunk drivers on the road, we don't need the elderly population out there getting their pedals mixed up or forgetting how to drive. It is nothing personal against seniors. Just from my own observation, I have seen many Seniors make far too many mistakes. I would take the test myself when I get to be older. I say it should start at age 60. I agree 100%.
2007-01-29 23:01:22 · answer #1 · answered by looloo1122 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the first instance this 84 year old has to be feeling more guilt than you can ever imagine for taking the life of an 8 year old.This is a 'chicken or the egg' type question. In all honesty I do not have an answer for your question.
I fear the young drivers who drive like there is no tomorrow, speeding when probationary plates are visible.
I guess my question is; Is it more suitable for a young person to cause an accident, maim or kill someone, than an elderly person?
Who has the right to decide who is more qualified?
Young drivers have the sense of invincibility, Old drivers have the sense of experience.
Recognition is given to both age groups however, it is an individual test of competence as to where youth will win over age.
All things being equal should only those who observe the laws of the road be permitted to drive.
Tolerance and checking out what happened is important. I have a friend of 82 who has peripheral eye delay, he was a WWII Pilot he gave us the world we enjoy today. Respect and informing these Octagenerians that they are not able to continue as they are with sensitivity is important. End of day they are actually relieved of having to be 'perfect'. and that is a lesson we all need to learn.
Be kind and if you get to the age of this person, remember it is a great time to be in and let us hope you are treated with compassion.
2007-01-30 07:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by sag_kat2chat 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the old people should go through fitness test confirmed by the doctor assigned to the office issuing driver's licence. their eyes also need to be test.
There should be an law implemented to prohibit old people, at the age 65 upwards,to drive or carry a fitness certificate around all the time. ( And if a traffic Officer request it should at hand)
2007-01-30 07:23:05 · answer #3 · answered by Fufu 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they require to pass safe skills as much as to have eye test! Elderly people, who have been driving for years, are more experienced and more careful than most drivers. However, they DO need friquent eye test as their sight tends to diminish more and more and therefore might need to drive with glasses.
The case you mention is probably a case in point.
2007-01-30 07:03:20 · answer #4 · answered by Ebby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That doesnt always work. My mother in law fell asleep at the wheel and went left of center in front of a school bus,...she woke up in time and the state highway patrol called me to come get her. The second time, she hit a semi. They made her take the test again and she passed on the 4th time. I thought that was ridiculous that they passed her and we ended up taking her car away anyways. We cant always trust our system. Sad, isnt it???
2007-01-30 06:56:48 · answer #5 · answered by pebbles 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There should be an age limit for driving, such as nobody over the age of 65 is allowed to drive. Everytime I see an elderly person driving, he or she is either driving wayyyyy to slow or swurving all over the place.
2007-01-30 06:55:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, in some countries it is the law that you must take a re-test when you reach retirement age and then at regular intervals.
2007-01-30 06:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by kvenn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they should but it should really be expanded beyond that. there should be a test to determine what kind of vehicle a person can actually handle.down here ive seen people of all ages driving a vehicle they just simply cant handle,whether its from too wide,heavy,too powerful etc.
2007-01-30 15:27:17 · answer #8 · answered by yankeegray_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they should, but it would be considered discrimination against older people. If each state developed guidelines of this test they would have to include everyone not just one selected group in my opinion.
2007-01-30 06:54:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should be across the board - for everyone.
2007-01-30 06:59:26 · answer #10 · answered by north79004487 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋