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I thnikt eh risk are well know. if not required to by law insurance compnies would not insure any driver under 25. Too risky and eve sattes aknowlege it by allowing higher policy rates for drivers under 25.Then of cousre their are the drunks and drugees who are the real killers.
My father-in-law voluntarily turned in his license. He had his daughter (who is now my wife) drive him to his appointments and she got the groceries. He now lives with us for his safety. He's almost 86. The reasons why some continue to drive include fear of loosing control, not able to afford public transportation, not able to afford a cab, no family to care for them, and or pride. I agree when they become a danger to others they should have their license taken away. But it should be done with compassion and consideration of their feelings. Some can't even step up onto a city bus. Some don't live where the buses pass.
I had an elderly relative whose driving became quite bad, but she refused to believe it. Finally, she broke her leg and was confined to using a walker until she died, and had to give up driving. It was a blessing in disguise - for everyone around her. I've told my adult son that if he EVER thinks my driving is becoming unsafe, to TAKE MY CAR KEYS AWAY. No matter if I'm senile and scream and yell, no matter what excuse I make (and if I'm still coherent, I won't make any) - just take them away. I don't ever want to be responsible for a serious accident.
But having said all that, I really don't understand why we can't have annual behind-the-wheel and written driving tests for people over, say 70. I know teenagers are involved in just as many, if not more, accidents, but that's because of inexperience, and their driving is going to improve (in most cases). Seniors' driving kills are only going to deteriorate, and they should be monitored regularly for everyone's safety, including their own.
When I was about 14, I went with Grandpa to whatever the Iowa version of the DMV is called.
Grandpa stood in a long line and obtained a handicapped sticker for his car (I assume that he was renewing his plates, but I do not recall that). Then we went in another line so he could renew his license. While we were waiting I asked why he had a handicapped sticker since I new of nothing wrong with him. He said he woudl tell me later.
On the way home he told me that he has a handicapped sticker because he was legally blind.
Not long after that I said "Hey Grandpa, you are on the sidewalk!' He said "What?
I yelled it and he just laughed and said "So I am" and swerved back onto the road (grandpa was always very jolly and had a great laugh).
I always thought that was pretty funny. Never saw it as crazy dangerous until I got older.
Now at least I think that require vision tests after a certain age.
Last edited by Coldjensens; 09-09-2011 at 01:28 PM..
I am on a tight budget and decided to rent a car occasionally or hire a driver for appts. Figured it would be cheaper in the long run. Firstly, it is more expensive and secondly it is very difficult/dangerous to advertise for drivers. I have missed three medical appts w/ specialists and have had to put up with paying people who become downright abusive to me.
Currently I live in southern CA but the same thing happened in MN. Until there are decent options, please don't judge others. Perhaps people concerned with safety should start an affordable, reliable service themselves, espcially if they are complaining that there is no work.
Years ago,this subject came up in a forum, and my thoughts were then, to make it mandatory that once a person retires, they turn in their driver's license, and the government would issue a voucher type of credit card that would allow seniors to take any form of public transportation.
This would allow them access to anyplace they wanted to go.
Included in this would be air, land and sea transportation.
Well that was my idea back when the country was a lot better off financially.
That would never work today.
Bob.
I like to ride with my 94 yr old friend in his Cobra Mustang. He 'lights-them-up' pretty frequently (And gets a big grin while doing so)
It's not just how many years old the driver is, it does depend on what kind of shape they are in. No doubt Jack La Lanne could drive just fine until his last few days.
It's not just staying fit, genes count too, but staying fit is one thing you can control.
So having lots of other demographics you can point to that drive poorly make it OK?
And I'll go one step further as to suggest that EVERYONE be required to re-test periodically REGARDLESS of age. And, while we're at it, maybe the standards should be raised so that basically anyone with a pulse can get a license, but these are separate issues.
Mike
Statistically speaking, these "senior citizens" as you call them are safer drivers than any other demographic.
You always hear about the old lady that drove into the quickie mart but less so about the 17 year old girl that killed herself and three of her friends in an accident where she was driving to fast or didn't yield.
How about a physical from a doctor and road test every other renewal for everybody? Your renewal will now cost $200.
Should a lot of older folks stop driving? Sure, just like no one should get a license until 18 and until you are 25 if you get more than one moving violation a year you lose your license until you are 25 and you take a driver's training course.
I've known 40-somethings(and younger) that were far more dangerous drivers than a 95 year old, blind, deaf, quadriplegic, would be.
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Help or at least withhold judgement
