Driving is a fun activity. Its so fun, that sometimes we forget that it is actually very dangerous. Every year over 30,000 Americans lose their lives in fatal car crashes. Those most likely to get into car crashes are teenagers and the second most likely are the elderly.
We have all seen the elderly drivers which seem to be blissfully unaware of the rest of the traffic on the road and the traffic signs clearly posted. Every year there are multiple stories about elderly people who confuse the accelerator with the brake, confuse drive with reverse and wreak havoc. Statistics confirm that elderly people present a high risk on the road.
"Experts say that a person's reaction time decreases by almost 40% from age 35 to age 65."
" 'After age 80 there is a sharp decline in driving ability' says Evan Nossoff, a spokesman of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. 'Drivers over the age of 80 are twice as likely to be at fault in a fatal collision than the average driver.' "
"By 2030, the number of drivers in [the 65 and older] age group is expected to more than double, making them roughly 20% of drivers."
http://www.2facts.com/ICOF/temp/4004tempi0701080.asp
It is clear there is an increased danger with ever increasing number of older drivers on the road as the Baby Boomer Generation continues to age. The question is, what should be done about it? Some states have suggested banning driving after a certain age altogether. Whereas, others have suggested requiring driving test renewals after a certain age.
What do you think should be done about the increased danger presented more elderly drivers on the road?
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I think that after a certain age you should have to take a road test, again, and if you're not able to drive efficiently then you can't drive anymore. But on the other hand one can make this arugement about dangerous teen drivers (but they just don't pay attention a lot of the time)
But no matter what people are going to have to start driving. I think the problem of new drivers will be there even if they stop teen driving by raising the driving age. But with elderly drivers I think renewed driving tests should be required. Its interesting that states who have tried to introduce these laws have met a lot of opposition for renewed driving tests for the elderly. Its only a minor inconvenience isnt it? Or are they worried many drivers wont pass?
I do only think it's a minor inconvenience that could potentailly save many lives. I think that not only are they worry that a lot of the elderly won't pass, they are worried that they might have to drive their grandma, mom, dad, or whoever around, hahaha. Funny how some people are against things that would HELP people, just because it would disrupt their precious daily routine :(
By they I mean non-elderly people :)
Yeah, I figured that. Maybe thats the whole obstrustion to progress in general. Inconvenience and change. People dont want to have to take 30 minutes to do a driving test at the DMV. People dont want to wait in line and be redirected. People love the status quo because its safe, it can be worse than the change but they still wont want to give it up for progress.
I think we should eliminate the automatic renewal of driver's licenses altogether. EVERYONE should have to re-test for their license every few years, and if you can't pass the test, you can't drive. It has nothing to do with age, and everthing to do with competency. It is a system that would be fair to EVERYONE, young and old.
percivale
This is true. Your suggestion could also be used to gather excess tax funds if there was a small charge for retesting which could be given back to tax payers by improving the interstate highway system.
cuz teenagers do crazy things if they start driving at a young age
Being a teenager, we dont always do crazy things. Usually after the first accident it changes the mindset. Thats how it was for me anyway.
Was this post inspired by the South Park episode, "Grey Dawn"?
"...Grandpa, you've got to realize that when you get behind the wheel, you're a killing machine."
Brilliant.
No it wasnt. A common observation in my English class is that anything we talk about, there is a South Park episode. haha Just kinda funny.
But actually I just thought it would be interesting to see people's opinions on this.
I suppose it's more relevant that South Park happens to write episodes on current events...
It certainly gives writers a break because they dont have to come up with all their ideas on the spot.