Should there be a maximum driving age?

Question

Another debate. Need a LOT of opinions for statistics of my own.

Answer 1

People age at various rates - and it would be politically unpopular to limit adults driving privileges - but YES, there should be.

We don't allow, say, 13 year olds to drive, because for the most part, they don't have the maturity and control -- although I'll bet some 13 year-olds would be better drivers than some adults. Of course its arbitrary, but we are making that choice based on the majority of immature drivers. In the same way, we can say that the majority of people over the age of 80 have impaired reflexes to the point that driving is not a good idea. Sure some 80's can drive fine, but they are few and far between. I'd say yearly testing over the age of 70 and a mandatory cap at 80.

Answer 2

I really dont' think so. If a person is in good health and their mind is strong well into old age, there's no reason that person's right to drive, or any other rights, should be taken away just because they hit a certain age.

And people grow old at different paces. My maternal grandparents are ten years younger than my paternal grandparents, but they are the ones that are dangers to themselves and others while driving. My paternal grandparents are well into their 80's, and still have healthy, active lives, and have had no traffic violations in over a decade.

Because discrimination against the elderly is really a problem in many areas, it must be a top priority to keep from taking their rights away simply because they reach a certain age.

I do think, though, that steps must be taken to revoke licenses of anyone who is mentally or physically not able to drive. But that has nothing to do with age, really, except that it would be more common among older people. The best way I can think of to do this is actually to require periodic driving tests throughout adulthood, getting more frequent at the 60-yr-old mark and the 70-yr-old mark. I'm thinking every five years, from the time you get a license, you have to retest (driving test, not so much the written one). After the 60th birthday, take it up to every three years, and after that, require annual tests.

I also think it should be required of doctors to report any patients they feel do not have the capabilities to drive anymore, either from mental or physical deterioration.

Answer 3

No. People age at different rates and a 'one size fits all' rule is not a solution. Many states already have re-testing programs based on chronological age and this seems more ideal than your idea.
States also have a mandatory testing program that can be recommended or required by police officers based on their observations.
Teenagers are statistically the drivers most prone to accidents. Over the years, states have increased the driving age, so that its about 16 in most places.
In the twilight years, driving should be based on ability not age. Many people that are not "seniors" have their license revoked or suspended every year due to repeated un-safe operation of a vehicle. So, age might not be a good argument for limiting license possession.
You also have to consider the political aspects of your thoughts. The most active voting group in the United States are "seniors". Legislatures think long and hard before passing legislation that is viewed as 'adverse' by that age group.

Answer 4

Not a maximum age per say but when they are over 65 or 70, I believe that senior citizens should be required to take a driving test every other year to keep their licenses. Many older people that are on the road should not be and it is scary but they are too stuck in their ways or don't have anyone around to take them places they need to go so they just keep on driving even though they are putting not only themselves at risk but everyone around them. This is a good debate but this law or any law like it will never go into affect, there will always be enough older people to vote against it.

Answer 5

I wouldn't say an age limit for driving altogether; more like once you reach the age of 65, you have to take a driving test once every year or so. My grandfather was 90 when he passed away, and never lost the ability to drive. Had a lead foot in fact. You can easily set a minimum age to drive because of the maturity level..that's harder to do for those who have been driving all their lives.

Answer 6

No, there shouldn't be a set age where you can't drive anymore as each person is different. However, after the age of 65, they should be required to take a yearly vision test and a driving test.

Answer 7

I agree with JeN. Perhaps there should be yearly testing after a certain age (I think 60 is a bit low though), but a blanket ban on anyone over the age of XX seems a bit arbitrary.

Answer 8

Perhaps not an age limit, but certainly driving tests for anyone over 60 EVERY year. Sorry old folks, it's nothing personal. Teenage drivers and elderly drivers are a danger to themselves and others when they lack the faculties to control their vehicle.

Answer 9

the day you quit youre job and start recieving social security you should be put on a list for annual, bieannual or whatever the statics say is best, testing

if you fail you dont drive untill you can pass again

seems that once people become retired/inactive plus the age problem theyre driving ability nosedives (seen it in my own family), age alone is not the determing factor though, it definitely has to do with an inactive (brain wise) lifestyle

Answer 10

Not a maximum driving age but maybe an age where everyone needs to repass their road test.