Old Person Driving?

Question

I have nothing against old people but i get nervious when they drive!!!!!!
Shouldn't there be a law that makes you loose your license at the age of 70. Its nnot only dangerous, but they alwase drive so SLOW

Answer 1

I think that actual behind the wheel driver's test should be mandatory for everyone every so often, not just old people. There are a lot of people on the road who are horrendous drivers and should get their licenses taken away. Obviously this will never happen, but that's just my outlook on things.

Answer 2

As the driving population ages, I think more will be done about older drivers. Where I live (Alberta Canada) there is no mandatory testing for older drivers. The only way an older person must be tested is when a police officer questions their driving ability and mental acuity or when their Doctor ticks off the little box on their Medical ordering a driving test. This action is not always popular and so Doctors sometimes opt not to check off the little box. More pressure is being put on Doctors to order road tests, especially if vision or "dementia" (short term memory loss) is becoming an issue.
I do think mandatory vision and road testing should be done at the age of 70, and every year after that. As a person ages, health conditions can change suddenly and deteriorate rapidly.
On a positive note, those "older" drivers who still have good driving skills are usually responsible and considerate drivers. They have a lot of experience and drive less because of their age. Unfortunately some "older" drivers begin to lose their keen eyesight as well as judgement, timing and decision making skills.
It is a dilemna which will be more apparent in the upcoming years as the driving population continues to age.
Good topic by the way!

Answer 3

My uncle is 77 and he's a great driver. My grandpa is 83, and an OK driver. He was probably never that good. There are plenty of people of all ages who should not be on the road at all. Despite this, I would be all for making people have to pass an exam every year after age 60 to ensure that their reflexes and sight/hearing are still good enough to drive.

Answer 4

It shouldn't be about age, but health, alertness and ability. I still think elderly people (70+) should have to renew their licenses every year. Maybe they shouldn't have to pay for it, but they should be certified as reasonably safe before being allowed to drive.

Linda D: LOL! You may have a point. I've been told I drive like an old person all my life (no speeding tickets!). But we do want to keep our roads as safe as we reasonably can. Some elderly people can drive just fine, and sadly, some can't and don't know it or will not acknowledge it.

Answer 5

Not all 70-somethings are bad drivers. Why would you want to punish all older drivers because a few are poor drivers? There are more teenagers who cause accidents than elderly people. Should we ban teens from driving until they're mature enough to drive a car responsibly?

Answer 6

I agree with Meg, that everyone should have to take a driving test every so many years, maybe 10.

There is no fixed age when someone becomes an incompetent driver.

I think it would be great if everyone had to pass some sort of health screening or bring a note from their doctor.

Answer 7

Not at all. There are incompetent drivers of ALL ages. Personally I would endorse a mandatory road test for EVERYONE every 5 years.

Answer 8

No, but you should have to pass an eye test and driver's test every year after seventy.

Answer 9

ABSOLUTELY! allast someone understands. i have nothing against them either, but lets face it...... they are old, feeble, losing hearing, vision, they have see through skin, arthritis, they shake like a paint mixer, they dont need to be on the road! they poke along because they arent adrenilized enough and dont feel comfy in a car! its insane! they kill people every day. everyday innocent young people are being killed by the old farts, and when i finally get that age, watch out cuz im gonna be speedin! so they have no excusses. i was at shoneys which is a breeding ground for the elderly, i noticed while sitting inside from a window that it took an old man in a truck 13 times( i counted ) to finally park. and a woman took 6 times in a cadillac. and did u notice that old people drive one of 4 vehicles: ford crown victoria, lincoln towncar, cadillac deville, buick lacrosse, or the oldsmobile (any). but anyway, yes i feel the same and i hope my opinion makes you realize you are definitely not alone by any means!

Answer 10

NOT all old people are bad drivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They do NOT drive slow - you just drive too fast!!!!!!!!!!