You see 70 year old people crashing into buildings, causing accidents...generally making our streets unsafe. Despite this- why doesn't the US institute a mandatory driving test for adults over the age of 65?
2007-10-15 11:14:15 · 9 answers · asked by SomeRandomGuy 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
You can't judge drivers by their age -- just look at teen-agers. They receive more citations and cause far more accidents than people in any other age group. However, that doesn't make every teen a menace behind the wheel, and likewise, many seniors continue to be perfectly safe drivers well into their 80s.
At last count, there were more than 22 million licensed drivers 65 or older, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While age alone doesn't make someone a bad driver, some older people do put themselves and others at risk every time they get in a car. The American Geriatric Society reports that driving skills generally start to fade after age 75 (and sometimes as early as age 60). A recent study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that the number of severe crashes, driver fatalities, and pedestrian fatalities per mile traveled increases sharply once a driver becomes 65 years old. But turning 65 doesn't mean you have to put the brake on driving -- it's just time to pay even more attention to safety
2007-10-15 11:20:49 · answer #1 · answered by Easy B Me II 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probally because driver over 65 are about 300 times safer than driver aged 16 to 25 years old.
Maybe they should require weekly driving test for drivers aged 16 to 25 years old,
Since they cause 80% of all accidents.
2007-10-15 20:05:08 · answer #2 · answered by jeeper_peeper321 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone who is on the road a lot, I see a lot of people that need to retake the test, however I do think that it would be a good idea for seniors to test their skills every few years. Nothing against them but as we get older our bodies loose reaction skills and processing ability. If they pass great. This will never happen because there are too many special interest groups to try and protect them. As far as the opposite end of the spectrum there need to be more restrictions as to when kids can drive the car i.e. not past midnight unless coming from work, or with more than 2 teens in the car.
2007-10-15 18:28:36 · answer #3 · answered by C-Town Dawgs 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry to correct you, but if you check official statistics you'll find that drivers aged 55 and over cause the fewest accidents. It's the 18 - 28 year olds who cause most. This is reflected in the fact that motor insurance is highest for the youngsters and lowest for the older folk.
2007-10-15 18:23:59 · answer #4 · answered by Peter Bro 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because that age group tends to vote the most, and politicians at all levels do not give a damm about what is right only what can help them get elected/relelected. Need proof of this notice how drivers under 18( WHO CAN NOT VOTE) have tons of restrictions on them.
2007-10-15 19:23:14 · answer #5 · answered by satcomgrunt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Driving laws are up to each state, not the federal government. Some states have installed testing for older Americans.
2007-10-15 18:32:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The US cannot do it because it's not a federal issue -- it's not within the powers of Congress to require that.
States issue drivers licenses -- and thus it would be a state issue -- one that I think is a good idea -- re-testing every 5 or 10 years for everyone -- not just seniors.
2007-10-15 18:19:52 · answer #7 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You also see young people speeding, crashing into things, causing accidents. why don't we raise the driving age to 30?
2007-10-15 18:19:05 · answer #8 · answered by nam_miles 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dr. Mr. Dude,
Make yourself a time capsule with ideas about how you feel about the world and open it in twenty years. You might be amazed at how much wiser you became.
Best wishes,
Menehune
2007-10-15 18:29:59 · answer #9 · answered by Menehune 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋