It's true that some no longer should be driving, but what if they don't have taxi fare or friends or relatives to transport them? What if mass transit is poor or non-existent?
And don't you just know that kids behind an elderly person getting on the bus are just dying to push her along so they can get on more quickly?
2007-07-24 07:52:32 · 15 answers · asked by felines 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
My real concern -- and I agree that if a person can't drive safely s/he shouldn't -- is, what alternative is available? Shouldn't localities try to boost public transit? (More and SMALLER buses?)
2007-07-24 12:35:38 · update #1
I have no idea what you are suggesting...ALL drivers should be tested every 3-5 years in my opinion...eye sight, reflexes. This puts a tremendous burden on the state DMV, but let's face it..there comes a time in all people's lives when they should no longer be behind a wheel. We have had two incidences here in Southern California is the last few years where a driver who should never have been behind the wheel plowed into crowds, killing many, injuring more..each made the mistake of applying gas instead of the brake, once applied, didn't stop ...just kept accelerating. When a person's reflexes reach a point that they cannot safely drive, they should not drive...too many innocent people can be wiped out in a second. And the same holds true of me..when I reach that age, I would hope that I have enough sense to put up the keys...but if I do not, then someone else will have to take them away from me. No one has the inherent right to drive...and there is no magic age number that comes to mind when the keys should be put up. Teens drive far too early (lack judgement, too susceptable to peer pressure), and oldsters often do not realize they can no longer drive safely. When a person feels they have to drive 30 miles per hour on an expressway to maintain control of the car, it is far past the time to have the keys taken away. This is all from a guy who is 66...
I know this is outside the range of this question, but it is no accident that more accidents and deaths are caused by teenage drivers than all the rest of drivers added together.
2007-07-24 08:45:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The push is more to require more frequent testing instead of automatic (by mail) renewal of a driver's license. I approve of this. Some older people should be driving and some should not. Some seniors can benefit from reeducation driving classes too. Sometimes it is hard to admit to yourself that you are no longer a safe driver. I know it was very hard for my mother-in-law to finally give up her car. Yes, the retirement home she was living in had a van that would take residents to wherever they needed to go, but you had to plan ahead and wait at both ends. It's a loss of independence. I had a grandmother who got her license in the 1930's and never drove after WWII. Still she always got her license renewed for thirty years after she had last driven. She thought there might be some emergency for which she might need it.
P.S. This is a good question.
2007-07-24 08:48:52 · answer #2 · answered by rationallady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taking away a driver's license from a senior citizen represents the taking away of their independence. Some are ready for this, others are not. It depends on the state of mind as well as body.
I believe that once we reach a certain age, it would be perfectly permissable for a doctor's certification to be submitted upon renewal of a driver's license.
There are some states that still do not use mail renewal, you still have to come into the DMV office to renew your license and if they suspect that all is not well, you do not get your license until you can prove you are capable of driving by virtue of a doctor's certification. You get an eye test each time you renew your license, regardless of your age.
I totally agree, the younger generation is, by far, a more danger. Also the drunk driver and the driver that is under the influence of drugs.
2007-07-24 10:34:52 · answer #3 · answered by Cranky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I lived in NC I saw old people driving that made you want to sit for an hour before you even entered the road in your car. I managed to swerve around a truck that pulled right into me the other day, I think they almost dropped their teeth seeing my age and my reflexes. If I had hit him I might have given him a flat tire and my little station wagon would have been toast along with me. I think people that can no longer turn their head, use a walker to get around with and can barely see do not belong on the road. I took my x mother in laws car away from her--her kids wouldn't do it. She called me crying about getting a ticket. I called the policeman and he told me what she did! amazing feat! When I started checking her license was expired and so was her insurance and plates on the car. I will shut it down when I need to -- I drove myself from NC back to Idaho 3 years ago without a hitch. I don't drive at night anymore, poor eye sight at night. The choice to drive has to be the individual and the family should help--the government needs to stay out of it. I say get rid of the cell phones!!
2007-07-25 00:59:50 · answer #4 · answered by lilabner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think senior citizens should be able to drive as long as they are not getting into accidents all the time. It would be terribel if the govt took away their right to drive. That would be taking away their freedom and we live in the USA! Its not right! unless you live in a decent city, it is also hard to find public transportation and I agree about people pushing past them for buses/taxis'trains.
2007-07-24 07:58:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I remember talking to my mom about driving. She said, "you aren't going to start telling me what to do." and that was the day after she really came close to killing us both. I have many friends in the same position. It must be horrible to loose that freedom, but if families can't suggest it with any success, then the testing laws for seniors must be more stringent. I really worry about when I get there. I have no children or grandchildren to help! Guess I'll have to trust God that it will work out.
2007-07-24 09:15:04 · answer #6 · answered by Bentley 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Driving is a PRIVILEDGE. It can be revoked at anytime. No one is entitled to keep their liscense forever! IF you need to die, then you shouldn't try to take the innocent with you! Your car is a lethal weapon when the driver is no longer in control or operating it safely! When my eyesight is gone, I won't be driving. However, it is up to me to know when my eyesight isn't good enough. If I don't know, then my state should be testing me on a YEARLY basis to ensure that I won't drive & hurt others! Sometimes older people live in denial & they don't want to admit that they have a problem. The states need to monitor seniors on a yearly basis past the age of 55!
2007-07-24 12:19:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The question is whether seniors have the skills and reaction time needed to drive safely. I believe they should be tested. In my town many accidents are caused by seniors who can't drive properly anymore. they endanger themselves and others.
2007-07-24 07:57:51 · answer #8 · answered by Maria b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I rather wonder if it might be that Seniors have this habit of obeying posted speed limits on highways. I know I do, and get nearly run over, the finger, and flashing lights constantly--even in the right lane.
2007-07-24 08:01:26 · answer #9 · answered by Terry 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are fortunate to have really great bus and Dial a Ride service here.But to stop me from driving they'll have to pull the wheel out of my cold,dead hands. Hee hee.
2007-07-24 09:03:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋