Do you think that people over 65 should drive?

Answer 1

I think there should be periodic retests - say, every two years - for seniors to ensure that their reflexes, vision, hearing, general driving skills (I don't care how long you've been driving - you still need to signal lane changes and LOOK before you back up!) etc. haven't deteriorated to the point that they're a menace to others on the road.

It is SHOCKING (and frightening!) for me to see how much my 74-year-old father's driving skills have deteriorated. I'm afraid to get into a car with him!

Answer 2

Every state has their own laws about driving, but these are usually associated very tightly with the statistic on drivers kept by the larger and more powerful insurance companies.

Laws about the vehicles can be federal (air bags, seat belts, what windows can be tinted, etc.), but drivers are controlled by the states.

At this point in time, teen drivers are still doing most of the damage to both vehicles and the people inside.

I do not think that setting an upper age limit is as important as adjusting a lower age limit BUT I personally do not believe that this is in the best interest of the society as a whole.

More frequent testing seems to be a fairer way. It is not the old drivers we want to get rid of, it is the poor drivers.

Answer 3

Not all of them, but it isn't like your driving ability is suddenly cut in half when you turn 65.

The scariest thing is the people that turn 65, retire, buy a huge RV and go drive it without any experience nor a Class B license.

Answer 4

Yes, they should still be able to drive, but with road tests either once a year or once every two years. I don't think it's the least bit discriminatory either because we've all had that experince with the little old grandma that can barely see over the steering wheel who rolled through a stop sign and almost boradsided you. Or the old man who is so concentrated on what's in front of him on the highway that he almost runs your car off the road because he changed lanes without looking.

Answer 5

Depands some people over 65 can drive and know the rules of driving others dont but that goes w/ any age really

Answer 6

Age is not the issue. The worst drivers in the US are 70+ and -20, yet they are not all bad. The problem is that we need better ways to evaluate drivers, better training for drivers of all ages, and more police offices/technology to take dangerous drivers off the road.

I taught driver's ed for 5+ years in AZ, and the scariest person I ever drove with was 16 - we never left the parking lot... I have had drivers who were 90+ in my class as well, and they were a little frightening, but not horribly so.

Answer 7

No! I think that old people driving is the reason people get road rage. Half the time they can't see and when they do see their perspective is way off! Like the old man that is stopped at the red light with 3 car lengths in front of him! I also believe that most teenagers shouldn't drive either!

Answer 8

No way. People start to lose their senses a bit after that age - even if they don't want to admit it. They start to lose their hearing and bit and more importantly; sight. If they are not working and there are other forms of transport available [train or bus] then why not use them? They are always there if it's needed. It's also cheaper, convinient and could not only save lives but may help in slowing down global warming if enough people of this age stop driving!

Answer 9

That's really too broad a question for a yes or no answer. Mario Andretti is 68--would you say he can handle himself behind the wheel? Older drivers often have slower reflexes, though they have the benefit of experience. Younger drivers often have quick reflexes but lack experience and take unnecessary risks. On the other hand, I know drivers in their 20s who are terrifying to ride with even in a parking lot. I think periodic mandatory road tests for drivers of all ages would be a huge step in the right direction.

Answer 10

As long as they understand the rules of the road. My own father is 73 & he's a good driver. But a more important question to ask, is when do you take an elderly person off the road?