Do you think that elderly drivers should be retested at some point?

Question

I mean no disrespect here.But every single day I see some elderly driver do something that is completely unsafe and very likely to cuase an accident under the right conditions.I.E This morning on the way to work I observed a very old lady driving about 35-40 in the left hand lane on the interstate during rush hour. Several people came up behind her going much much faster and either had to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid her.
And then this afternoon I saw another elderly person turn a corner and the back wheel went into a big hole that was way to obvious to not see.What if that had been a curb with some kid standing there???
With the percentage of our population that is elderly rapidly increasing I think its time to set an age at which you should have to retest. What do you think?

Answer 1

They do test older drivers more frequently. I forget the exact age, but at some point the renewal rates change. My dad is 84 and his renewal came up last July. He has to take the written test every time now as well has the eye test and get written permission from his doctor in order to continue driving.

I really don't know how some people manage to even get a driver license, but they do.

Answer 2

ALL drivers should be retested periodically.

It's not the elderly drivers causing most collisions, despite your observations. I am NOT ready to believe that the only examples of bad drivers you see are all older folks. What is probably happening is that you have this, one, pet peeve, and, when you see somone doing something you don't like, you look at the driver. If it's NOT an older driver, you ignore it and go on. If it is an elderly person you reinforce your bias and that incident sticks in your memory.

Same thing happens when someone has a wild hair about Asian drivers, or women drivers.

It's time to be honest with yourself and get off your soap box. Insurance companies charge the highest premium rates to young male drivers, under 25, because THEY are the ones who generate the most insurance claims. Rates go DOWN as drivers get older.

Insurance companies don't do that because they are nice folks. They are in business to make a profit, and they will not lower rates, just for fun.

Answer 3

I am willing to retest when I get older. I almost got backed into by a little old lady today. If testing keeps me off the road when I am not fit and saves the life of someone else then I will go for it.

Answer 4

Did you know that 15 to 20 year-old drivers are the highest risk group for a fatal crash? Seventy percent of fatalities in this age group involve the use of alcohol.

Night driving statistics are even worse:

Young drivers average about 20 percent of their driving at night – yet they account for more than 50% of all nighttime crash fatalities!

Of that 50+ percent, 21% of those involved were intoxicated by alcohol.

Answer 5

As a victim of a severe car crash caused by a elderly driver (who was charged), I fully support any legislation that would require mandatory physical and mental testing for all drivers over 65.

Answer 6

i've got not got faith all elderly human beings could desire to have an annual drivers attempt. the cost on my own could be prohibitive. although, if somebody has had an accident or has shown signs and warning signs of being bodily or mentally incapable of working a vehicle effectively, they could desire to actual be examined each year.

Answer 7

They are in Arizona at 65 then every four years there after.

Answer 8

yes elderly drivers should be retested every few years.

Answer 9

should teens be retested on each birthday until they reach ...say 21? each day I see teens doing something completely unsafe

Answer 10

no some study will show women or blacks or people who wear hats cause more accidents then what, plenty of people of all ages drive badly its a facist idea