Do you think elderly drivers need to be monitored?
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MWG
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Anything as big as a freakin' car hitting anyone is going to do serious damage. No one is saying senior citizens shouldn't be allowed to drive. If they still have the capacity to drive, then when they take the test, they should do fine. Driving is a PRIVILEGE, not a right- it never HAS been. No one is screaming their brains out for the poor, unfortunate teens to be allowed to drive earlier because many people recognize the fact that before a certain age, a teenager is just not mentally (or even PHYSICALLY, in some cases) competent enough to drive. As one grows older, their mental capabilities, more often than not, diminish. EVERYONE should be tested to be sure that they are of sound mind and body to drive- however, between the ages of 18 and 55 is a time period where, unless a profound illness or injury has been sustained, one's mentality tends to remain static- regular testing in this age range is, on the whole, unnecessary.
Weighing pros and cons of requisite testing, let's compare:
Cons: poor senior citizen is burdened with a test.
Pros: people will not be KILLED by an incompetent driver.
I think the pros far outweigh the cons.
Weighing pros and cons of requisite testing, let's compare:
Cons: poor senior citizen is burdened with a test.
Pros: people will not be KILLED by an incompetent driver.
I think the pros far outweigh the cons.
lavender
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I do not feel there should be an age requirement per se, but I do believe elderly drivers should be monitored and tested more frequently. The tests should not be merely pretext but should actually exam the person's capabilities behind the wheel.
jakelyon
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Yes
It would be ignorant to think that the older people themseleves will know when to hang up the car keys for good. It is a huge blow to a person when they cannot drive, they are stuck in one place for the rest of their lives, almost like prison. The reality is when you reach a certain age you are physically incapable of handling the physical task of driving. For some people it is 90 and some it is 70. The States need to test drivers over 65 once a year to try and get the dangerous ones off the road.
The flip side is family members have to watch their older members and get them off the road before they kill someone. I remember clearly driving through my home town one day and some old lady pulled right out in front of me nearly caused an accident. I laid on my horn, flipped her off and generally behaved badley and then realized that it was my own grandmother!! Luckily she was so out of it she did not realize it was me.
Soon after that my Mother and I helped her make the decision to hang up her keys and quit driving. It was hard, but it was the right thing to do.
It would be ignorant to think that the older people themseleves will know when to hang up the car keys for good. It is a huge blow to a person when they cannot drive, they are stuck in one place for the rest of their lives, almost like prison. The reality is when you reach a certain age you are physically incapable of handling the physical task of driving. For some people it is 90 and some it is 70. The States need to test drivers over 65 once a year to try and get the dangerous ones off the road.
The flip side is family members have to watch their older members and get them off the road before they kill someone. I remember clearly driving through my home town one day and some old lady pulled right out in front of me nearly caused an accident. I laid on my horn, flipped her off and generally behaved badley and then realized that it was my own grandmother!! Luckily she was so out of it she did not realize it was me.
Soon after that my Mother and I helped her make the decision to hang up her keys and quit driving. It was hard, but it was the right thing to do.
Temptress_1960
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There are plenty of dumbass drivers out there, regardless of age.
That said, I think here in Vermont, DMV will insist you be re-tested if the handwriting on your license renewal is significantly changed from the previous one.
My dad is 77. He is careful, doesn't drive at night much at all, and won't drive in places where there's lots of traffic. He lives in a small town, so it works for him.
I don't know, here in Vermont there is not a whole lot of public transportation. Without a car, many seniors will lose a great deal of their independence.
Is retesting every five years the answer? I really don't know.
That said, I think here in Vermont, DMV will insist you be re-tested if the handwriting on your license renewal is significantly changed from the previous one.
My dad is 77. He is careful, doesn't drive at night much at all, and won't drive in places where there's lots of traffic. He lives in a small town, so it works for him.
I don't know, here in Vermont there is not a whole lot of public transportation. Without a car, many seniors will lose a great deal of their independence.
Is retesting every five years the answer? I really don't know.
ohfaque
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I just went to rent movies, on my way I spotted an old man driving his electric wheel chairlike scooter.
It had a light, turn signals and everything.
Made me thing of this thread
Why not include it in their yearly physical? They must have one to renew, and have it renewed every year. Tests include motor skills and reflexes.The doctor gives the ok and then on to the driving test?
I mentioned it earlier, just adding it in again.
It had a light, turn signals and everything.
Made me thing of this thread
Why not include it in their yearly physical? They must have one to renew, and have it renewed every year. Tests include motor skills and reflexes.The doctor gives the ok and then on to the driving test?
I mentioned it earlier, just adding it in again.
Lancecastor
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ohfaque said:
My 3 series BMW is 1750kg...3850lb, so I'd think a Lincoln weighs more.
Lancecastor's Rule of the Road: Avoid all cars driven by people wearing hats.
Old Men, Sikhs, Old Women, Teenage Boys, Greasers, Cops...all bad news.
Agent99
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I believe ALL drivers should be tested annually. It is the only fair thing to do and there would be no chance for anyone to claim discrimination - especially based on age.
Further, the fees collected for taking the road test would be applied to highway construction and maintenance and we could simultaneously lower the gasoline taxes which are currently apportioned for highways.
A road test is the only way to observe if an elderly person is capable of making split second decisions and has both the mental acuity and the motor skills necessary for safely operating a vehicle.
5 or 7 years is way too long a time frame between examining an older person's abilities (from both a mental and physical standpoint)
Families play the key role here, though. Watching their loved one's habits and noting any changes- forgetfulness, clumsiness, difficulty in communicating etc are the first markers that indicate problems. If a person begins faltering around the house or in conversation; has difficulties with memory or exhibits changes in personality- these can be extrapolated into other areas, including driving ability.
It is difficult to take the keys away - and effectively revoke their independence - from a family member. But, better that, than the possibility of an accident that takes their life or others.
Further, the fees collected for taking the road test would be applied to highway construction and maintenance and we could simultaneously lower the gasoline taxes which are currently apportioned for highways.
A road test is the only way to observe if an elderly person is capable of making split second decisions and has both the mental acuity and the motor skills necessary for safely operating a vehicle.
5 or 7 years is way too long a time frame between examining an older person's abilities (from both a mental and physical standpoint)
Families play the key role here, though. Watching their loved one's habits and noting any changes- forgetfulness, clumsiness, difficulty in communicating etc are the first markers that indicate problems. If a person begins faltering around the house or in conversation; has difficulties with memory or exhibits changes in personality- these can be extrapolated into other areas, including driving ability.
It is difficult to take the keys away - and effectively revoke their independence - from a family member. But, better that, than the possibility of an accident that takes their life or others.
