Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I can't stand up without tipping over. I’m half blind in one eye and can't see out of the other, can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded and subject to blackouts at any time. Have bouts with dementia, poor circulation, and can hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. I can’t remember if I’m 85 or 92 and have lost all of my friends…….but thank God, I still have my driver’s license!
Most states now require vision tests at renewal.
Some have expanded that to annual or bi-annual for seniors.
Some have expanded to re-testing entirely over age X.
In the OP, point #3 was "other thoughts?" Well, here's my thought: Quite apart from any discussion about whether old people are dangerous or not, and if so, at what age, they sure as hell are irritating can I add dangerous? when they drive so slowly and hesitantly. Blessed be those who come to the decision on their own that it's time for them to stop driving. My mother drove a little beyond the point that she should have, but just when my sister and I were investigating ways to force her to stop, she decided to stop on her own. I'm glad she didn't maim or kill a child (or anyone else, of course) before deciding to quit.
You bring up a great point. Coming home on the highway from a nearby city, I was driving in the middle lane, stuck behind some old geezer going maybe 45 mph on a 65 mph road. All of a sudden from behind me several cars decided to pass both of us, one on the left and one on the right, and they both nearly collided in front of the oldster. I soon passed on the left and got a glimpse of the old gent as he swerved into the lane to the right, right in front of an oncoming car. No accident, but it made me think maybe it's time for ME to stop driving (what with folks like him, the under 25 crowd texting while driving, and the young women drivers zipping around cars left and right without using a signal).
In the OP, point #3 was "other thoughts?" Well, here's my thought: Quite apart from any discussion about whether old people are dangerous or not, and if so, at what age, they sure as hell are irritating when they drive so slowly and hesitantly. Blessed be those who come to the decision on their own that it's time for them to stop driving. My mother drove a little beyond the point that she should have, but just when my sister and I were investigating ways to force her to stop, she decided to stop on her own. I'm glad she didn't maim or kill a child (or anyone else, of course) before deciding to quit.
I don't know how you only have observed seniors driving slowly...I get stuck behind cell phone drivers all the time who drive slow. As long as people drive the speed limit, I have no problem. Most of the time when people accuse others of going too slow, they are the ones driving recklessly by driving entirely too fast. I think getting to your destination safely is much more important than getting there faster. Drivers like that make me a lot more fearful for my safety and that of those around me than a senior driving the speed limit. JMHO.
At any age a person may have issues that adversely affect their driving skills. However, I am in agreement that many lose their ability to react quickly when they become elderly (and at what age do we consider 'elderly' when referring to driving?); along with their eyesight getting bad/worse.
I've come across 'elderly' drivers who appear to not have a clue where they are as they're driving way below the speed limit, and/or drifting into another lane.
And I've been stressed out and intimidated by drivers of any age that drive quickly up behind me and tailgate.
The tailgaters are on my list of the most irritating and rude drivers. I'm constantly trying to keep an eye on them while keeping an eye on what is ahead of me. I do all I can to get away from them....even changing my route.
I am reminded of my ex's uncle who was in his 60s or 70s driving with his wife on an interstate highway when suddenly he slumped over the wheel from a heart attack and died. She somehow grabbed the wheel and was able to veer the car into the meridian strip avoiding cars in the left lane. I can't even imagine how she dealt with things after that, but she and drivers close to them could have been killed. Of course this can happen at any age but there may be increased risk with age. Also people of any age esp the elderly on lots of meds pose a serious risk if the symptoms include drowsiness or impaired alertness. Something to think about.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
But, trust me - I don't care where you live, you have drivers on the road that should not be anywhere near a steering wheel. 
