Is it your opinion that elderly drivers should be tested?

Question

on their driving skills? How often? At what age?
My daughter thinks people over 65 need to be tested every two years. I'm not so sure. What do you think to mandatory testing of older drivers?

Fred C, Sorry I offended you. I'm actually quite close to 60 years old, so I'm asking about my own age group. Peace.

Answer 1

I would be inclined to agree with your daughter although I think it could be changed to 70 years instead of 65 simply because of the fact that people's ability to react to their environment gradually reduces with age. I have seen a large number of MVAs (Motor Vehicle Accident) that could have been avoided if the person responsible had reacted quicker. Many of these people, are in their "Golden Years".
People today are typically moving faster and trying to do things quicker and a vast number of the elderly want to slow down and enjoy their lives, letting their guard down, which is more of a hindrance to society in general.
It should be also noted that a number of accidents are caused by young people going too fast with no experience behind the wheel and on that token, it also would be prudent for people to have to renew their license, with a road test, every year until they are 25.

Answer 2

Get out of here with that noise! 65 is not old! Many professional highway drivers are in the 60 to 70 year age group, and they have an excellent record as a group. Why do people think they should work their parents to 65, then start treating them as old and feeble the day they retire? Do you plan on trying to restrict your parents as soon as they retire? Maybe a retest at 70, then 75, then maybe every 2 or 3 years, but, if there isn't a medical reason, more testing isn't necessary. Remember, it doesn't matter what age you are now, you will be 65 some day, and mad as heck when somebody calls you old.

Answer 3

We'll all be there some day and we'd be slitting our own throats by agreeing to it but yes I've thought about the same thing. Reaction time changes, eyesight changes especially if they're too stubborn to do it on their own. The elderly are very conservative drivers and I don't know what the stats are but I might believe that accidents are lower with seniors. Maybe every five after 65!

Answer 4

i own a shop,and she has a pretty good point there,and the 2 year thing is a good idea,also ,i honestly think we all should be tested every 5 years,i have seen people go backwards,i mean get worse at driving ,rather than get better,but she has a good idea,I'm sure it wouldn't go over too well,but the idea is excellent,it would be for all of our safety not just the older people getting tested,maybe someday they,ll do this,i wouldn't have anything against it,good luck,i hope this help,s

Answer 5

All high risk groups of drivers need to be tested and monitored more closely. I can sympathize with their desire for freedom but young and old people have no right to risk other people's lives for their freedom.

Answer 6

I think 60 is a good age to start yearly testing, except for me. I can still drive better than most youngsters, but most people over 60 are losing their depth perception, hearing, and reaction time.

Answer 7

yes 4 testing his reaction,alertness,eyesight in night time etc at the age of 60 n thereafter every 2 yr checking.

Answer 8

depends on driving record.70+ probably every 2 years

Answer 9

i think of the elderly drivers would desire to would desire to pass a each year actual besides as a psychological alertness try. they'd desire to would desire to show stable driving skills and the means to nevertheless make rapid, precise judgements.

Answer 10

I think it should be determined by a doctor, based on there health.