Smart Motorist

In the next 20 years the number of elderly drivers (persons 70 & over) is predicted to triple in the United States. As age increases, older drivers generally become more conservative on the road. Many mature drivers modify their driving habits (for instance to avoid busy highways or night-time driving) to match their declining capabilities. However, statistics show that older drivers are more likely than younger ones to be involved in multi-vehicle crashes, particularly at intersections.

Research on age-related driving concerns has shown that at around the age of 65 drivers face an increased risk of being involved in a vehicle crash. After the age of 75, the risk of driver fatality increases sharply, because older drivers are more vulnerable to both crash-related injury and death. Three behavioral factors in particular may contribute to these statistics: poor judgement in making left-hand turns; drifting within the traffic lane; and decreased ability to change behavior in response to an unexpected or rapidly changing situation.

Concern about the increased number of older drivers and their potentially decreased driving abilities is growing, especially among younger drivers. Statistics, based on all people injured or killed in traffic crashes, indicate that older drivers are at a disproportionate risk for becoming involved in fatal crashes. A NHTSA study of 1995 FARS (Fatal Accident Reporting System) data reports that senior citizens accounted for:

• 5% of all people injured in traffic crashes
• 13% of all traffic fatalities
• 13% of all vehicle occupant fatalities
• 18% of all pedestrian fatalities

In a 1997 NHTSA study, older people made up 9 percent of the population but accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 17 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. NHTSA's "Traffic Safety Facts 1997: Older Population" (DOT HS 808 769) reports that:

• In 1997, more than 24 million people in the United States were over 70 years of age.
• Representing 9 percent of the population in 1997, the 70-and-older age group grew 2.1 times faster from 1987 to 1997 than the total population.
• In 1986 older drivers were 7 percent of licensed drivers; in 1996 they were 19 percent of licensed drivers.
• Of traffic fatalities involving older drivers, 82 percent happened in the daytime, 71 percent occurred on weekdays, and 75 percent involved a second vehicle.
• When a crash involved an older driver and a younger driver, the older driver was 3 times as likely as the younger driver to be the one struck. Moreover, 28 percent of crash-involved older drivers were turning left when they were struck-- 7 times more often than younger drivers were struck while making left turns.
• Older drivers involved in fatal crashes and fatally injured older pedestrians claimed the lowest proportion of intoxication--defined as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 grams per deciliter or higher.
• While only 55 percent of adult vehicle occupants (ages 18 to 69) involved in fatal crashes were using restraints at the time of the crash, 70 percent of fatal- crash-involved older occupants were using restraints.
• "On the basis of estimated annual travel, the fatality rate for drivers 85 and over is nine times as high as the rate for drivers 25 through 69 years old."

Statistics show that in two-vehicle fatal crashes involving an older and a younger driver, it is 3.1 times as likely that the vehicle driven by the older person will be struck. In 27% of these two-vehicle fatal crashes the older driver was turning left. Drivers over 65, along with new teen-age drivers, have the highest accident rates per miles driven. Another NHTSA study found that on the basis of estimated annual travel, the fatality rate for drivers 85 and over is nine times as high as the rate for drivers 25 through 69 years old.

Lawrence Nitz, a political scientist from the University of Hawaii, conducted a three-year study of Hawaiian traffic records and found that drivers over 75 were far more likely than other motorists to be cited for certain offenses, including failing to yield to pedestrians, backing up unsafely and failing to stop at a flashing red light.

What is being done to address the problem?

Mandatory driving tests - California, which requires retesting for anyone involved in a fatal crash or three or more crashes in one year, requires drivers over 70 to retest if they are involved in two or more crashes in one year. Proposals in several other states to toughen licensing requirements for older drivers have been thwarted by senior-citizen lobbying groups (AARP & others), who say age-based measures are discriminatory. They claim that a person's chronological age is not an accurate predictor of driving ability. The lobbyists argue that if seniors are forced to take mandatory roadtests in the absence of an incident, other age groups should be required to take them as well.

Deficit reporting laws - Pennsylvania is one state that has a physician's reporting law, requiring physicians to report disabilities that may affect driving ability. Some physicians, however, are reluctant to jeopardize their relationship with a patient by making such a referral. Most other states do not require physicians to report psychomotor, visual, and cognitive deficiencies that may affect drivingto licensing agencies.

What else can be done?

• Deficit screening - Screening could be given to all drivers for whom age-related decline is suspected and whose performance is viewed as a safety concern for themselves and other motorists. In addition, health professionals and others who work with older populations could administer the tests. Screening could become a part of the regular process of license renewal. By reducing testing time, drivers could be quickly screened and identified either as capable, or as in need of further testing.

• Crash statistics - DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and insurance company records can help identify high-risk older drivers. In addition to crash counts, the details of the crash (roadway condition, time of day, location, fault) are important. Some crash patterns (e.g., the driver stopped in the middle of the roadway) may be better predictors of future crashes than others. Given that many older drivers involved in crashes have never had a crash before and may not have another one during the following year, crash records will identify only a few high-risk older drivers. However, crash statistics may be an important part of a comprehensive program to identify high-risk older drivers.

What can you do? - You may wonder about older friends and family members' performance on the road. You want to support their continued mobility but on the other hand you worry about their driving abilities. Unfortunately we don't all retain the ability to drive a car throughout our lifetime. Physical disabilities, mental illness, medications, loss of vision, or frailty can end anyone's driving career prematurely. Before you bring up the subject, keep in mind that the thought of losing a driver's license is very disturbing to most older people. Americans rely upon their cars to get to work, go to the doctor, go shopping, and visit their friends and relatives. The elderly equate losing their driving privileges with being dependent, feeling trapped, perhaps losing choice, control, and spontaneity in life. Discussing driving skill with an older person requires great diplomacy.

AgeQuest, a specialty firm addressing the training needs of professionals in the field of aging, older adults, and family caregivers, suggests in its publication "Supporting the Mature Driver" that the decline of skills necessary for safe driving sometimes occurs suddenly or subtly. Signs may include a pattern of close calls, violations or collisions, increasing difficulty in noticing pedestrians, signs, objects, or other vehicles; an observable decline in physical abilities; or a rapid onset of fatigue from driving.

Older drivers need to be aware that medications can significantly impair their driving by making them drowsy or distracted. Physicians and pharmacists should be consulted before starting new medications, to see if the drug can affect the ability to drive. Since side effects are often worse for the first few days of a new medication, people should avoid driving until they know exactly how a new drug affects them. If any medication causes sleepiness or disorientation, someone else should do the driving.

Eyes change with age. They lose the ability to focus quickly. Peripheral vision narrows and the retina becomes less sensitive to light. Physical activity is needed to keep a person strong and flexible for those quick reactions needed while driving. To be a safe driver, paying attention to road conditions and your own body changes is essential. A person's chronological age is not an absolute predictor of driving ability, but its impact should not be denied. Ultimately, however, what counts on the road is performance.

 

Comments

Amanda  - What ever! |2008-05-14 15:54:41 i think that the elderly shouldnt have to take their licenses over because they may be old but they are still human and they want to drive just as much as any person who drives! so i think they shouldnt have to retake their test! 30   147

Andrew  - Elderly Driving |2008-05-18 23:34:53 This isn't an attack on the elderly, it's just a topic on how to keep our roads safe. It's been proven that as people get older, they develop diseases and physically degenerate (eyes, reaction time, etc.) We're not saying, "let's take all the old farts licenses away because they drive slow!" We're saying let's test them to make sure that they are still safe drivers. I think you'd think differently if you were the victim in an accident because the elderly man or woman that crashed into you couldn't see or brake in time. 103   11

Ben  - Not age discrimination |2008-06-01 22:23:57 It is a proven fact that the elderly tend to have physical and mental disadvantages as they age, therefore, it would be wise to retest their driving skills before letting them on the road with a potential for accidents. 61   13

Noreen  - Father in Law |2008-06-17 22:39:24 I know the elderly resent the scrutiny involved in this situation but it should be recognized that many of them should not be driving. My father in law can barely walk, has trouble following a conversation, falls asleep at the drop of a hat, has serious reaction time issues and yet he is still driving. He is in a state that doesn't have any requirement (not even eye exams) for license renewal and frankly I'm afraid he's going to kill himself or someone else. I think once you hit 70 you should be tested every 2 years (on an enclosed driving track) Not eveyone should be driving. 43   11

sarah  - strange |2008-06-25 15:15:09 I think that old people shudnt be allowed to drive because they are a danger to the roads and they cause alot of crashes i think that they should give up when they get to 70 because the elderly get free travel on the public transport anyway i think that old people shudnt drive !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 29   31

Samantha  - The other guy! |2008-07-02 23:03:03 I am the victom of a elderly car crash an 80 year old man took a left hand turn right in front of me on a high way. He was following a SUV and didnt stop to see if he was clear to turn. I broke my foot and dislocated it in three places, my boyfriend broke his leg and his right foot was ejected out the windshield. I lost every thing! The ability to walk, my car,job, apartment, and I still have sever pain and artheritus in my foot. He didnt even get a ticket for causing the accident. I think you will sing a different tune when it happens to you! This topic is important to me and all of the people that will be driving in the next ten years. The baby boomers will be about 70 then and will make up a large number of the motorist that will inhabit our streets! 42   8

roxanne  - Amanda-wake up and smell the coffee |2008-07-23 22:19:03 unfortunatley getting old does bring up many issues especially about driving. Tell me you haven't seen elderly people crossing the middle line, cut in front of traffic or almost hit another car. Elderly people tend to lose thier motor skills, cognition, eye sight and thier hearing which makes them more vulnerable to getting into an accident. So, in your opinion, your going to say "let them drive because they want to and they like to drive" Think about the consequences of your statement. It is proven that as people get older (65+), they cause more accidents and fatalities. They need to be retested to make sure that they can drive safely on the streets. I don't know why you wouldn't want that for one of your loved ones. that is what is wrong with this world...it is called IGNORANCE!!!!!!! 27   11

Heather  - Accept it! |2008-07-25 04:17:35 I've been actively avoiding tragedy from elderly drivers for 35 years and it's only going to get worse with the aging of the baby boomers. Why fight it? Instead, we should embrace our American flare for independence and create a form of bumper/smart car and then designate or create lanes specifically for elderly, beginning, or otherwise impaired, drivers' use, should they choose. It would take years, but we do it for bicycles! We need to stop trying to control other people from our fear, and figure out how to deal with reality. 17   40

Chris  - Agree- test over the age of 70! |2008-07-31 00:32:56 I am in absolute agreement with many others on this board. My Mother was recently rear-ended at a red light by a 94 year old man. It seemed to be minor so Mom turned in to the nearest parking lot and waived him to come in too. He just kept on going and never did stop. Luckily, she was able to write down the license number and called the police. When they went to talk to the man, he didn't even know he hit her and didn't see her wave him in the lot. Nobody was hurt thankfully but it did cause 00 damage to her bumper. Another situation recently in our town. A teen driver was sideswiped by an elderly person. He was waiting in the middle of an intersection to turn left and the elder, who was in the through lane, decided half way through the intersection to turn left. So he turned, and turned right into the car waiting to turn that was in the correct lane. The teen then followed the elder to KMart (go figure) and the elder didn't even know he hit the teen's car and was trying to say that the teen turned in front of him. I live in a state where elderly driving legislation will NEVER pass as the demographics are heavily senior. But it HAS to be considered in every state. 29   6

casey  - talk to my grandmother |2008-08-27 19:07:38 i cant agree more! my grandmother is 64 and it almost seems like her brain is dying. she has gotten so slow with everything. she can barley get my name right half the time. someone needs to bring this topic to justice. 19   11

Boomer  - elderly driving |2008-10-13 16:24:47 some elderly people may know how to drive well and others may not. my grandfather only has one eye and he drives better than most people i know. i think they should be able to keep their liscences. 11   20

adam  - elderly driving |2008-10-19 21:27:48 I agree completely with this subject, there is still many older drivers (65+) on the roads who are safe and are still able to drive carefully and whos reaction times, eyes and hearing havent yet deteriated. However, there are also many older drivers who arent as quick with their reactions or eyesight and who are still driving, i think this is very selfish because they are not only putting themselves at risk but also other innocent drivers. I realise it is not their fault and they still wish to drive but it is dangerous and after all the data and statistics i have seen on the matter i have come to the conclusion that elderly drivers cause a large percentage of accidents on our roads. Many older drivers realise they cannot drive as well as they used to. Some decide to drive only during the daytime and on quiet roads. These are the rational, sensible ones. As for being tested every 2-3 years after the age of 70, i think is a very good idea because there are older people out there who are still capable of driving sensibly. This will also cut down on the amount of elderly drivers who arent capable of this and will help to make our roads safer. 25   5

Amanda  - elderly drivers |2008-10-20 17:59:36 It's not age discrimination. Just like we all had to take driving tests to get our licenses, we should all have to continue taking tests to make sure that we are still mentally and physically capable of being able to drive safe. You don't let your friend get in the car and drive after 10 beers do you? Then why would you let someone who can barely hear and/or see drive? When people get older their response time declines, and should be tested in my opinion at least every year. 18   4

kalesss :] ( im only 13)  - elderly drivers |2008-10-23 01:18:28 i agree completely. its not that old people arent responsible, it's just that they cant see as well anymore and the cant turn their neck to see if other people are coming :] 15   3

Tess  - On my way to work this morning |2008-10-24 04:30:32 I was t-boned by an 82 year old woman who didn't see her light turn red even though it was a 2 lane highway and everyone else was stopped...she ran right into me and i'm fortunate that i am able to type this right now. Thanks for plastic cars lol...she had plenty of obvious clues that she should be stopped such as the traffic in the intersection and the lanes of stopped traffic and lets not forget the big red light!! I work for an optometrist and see elders coming in all of the time with their cataracts and retinal issues and they all drive themselves there. There's nothing we can do if they wear their glasses and can be corrected to 20/40. Pennsylvania does require doctors to notify Penndot if there are medical condition that could cause problems. I have a friends who's mother has alzhiemers and the doctor says she can drive even though my friend has told the doctor that she thinks she should no longer be driving. I will be making my voice heard in this matter. mandatory physical road driving every 4 years after the age of 60. no closed courses. that doesn't demonstrate ones ability to drive in the real world with others on the road. 16   4

Aly  - I work with them. |2008-10-24 17:19:24 I work at a retirement home and I have seen the elderly there get in accidents with their WALKERS. They constantly crash into each other with their walkers and get their wheels and handlebars and oxygen tubes tangled up. I can't even fathom how they would do behind the wheel of a car. 14   7

Loren  - Elderly drivers |2008-10-30 03:15:44 Driving is not a right it's a privilege. Those who can't do it safely any more can and should have they're license revoked. Not having to pay for gas and insurance would open up the possibility of them to take a cab or bus were ever they need to go. 12   3

San  - new laws needed |2008-11-04 21:24:19 Their is nothing at all wrong with having more extensive testing for the elderly. I'm all for it. It has nothing to do with age discrimination. Come on give me a break. It's all about feeling safe on the road. I'm not trying to condemn all elderly. I mean their are some who are in great shape and have all of their mental capacities. But then their are some who just shouldn't be behind the wheel. You wouldn't give a kid a loaded gun to play with, would you? 8   4

julia  - writing a paper on elderly driving |2008-11-11 01:09:12 i totally agree with passing a law to enforce safer conditions on the road. Nothing against the elderly, but everyone had to take a test to start driving and we should all have to take more when we get older to ensure the safety of ourselves and others on the road. I say elderly drivers should be requried to take a test at the age of 65+ every 4 years to keep the peace on the road. And this is with the permission of their doctors that they are capable to drive both physically and mentally. It's just common sense. 13   3

Jenny  - it's not phasing- it's wise |2008-11-13 18:53:24 anyone who drives or rides in a car...(oh i guess that's just about everyone) can look around and see either the effects or the dangers of elderly driving. i think the real issue here is not just the accidents and the problems caused by SOME senior citizens on the road, but the ignorance shown by those who say it isn't a problem or that it is stereotypical to accuse senior citizens of being bad drivers. yes of course not all senior citizens are bad drivers but those who are should be at the least re tested and at the most deprived of their license. let us open our eyes to the real problem at hand: statistics are fact, not personal opinion and you cannot deny the facts that senior citizen drivers can be dangerous behind the wheel. only those who are bad drivers will be punished so those who are abiding the laws and driving safely will be free to do so, regardless of age. 8   7

shani  - im writing a paper too!! nd i agree |2008-11-17 09:30:05 its definately not age discrimination. thats kinda like saying if a person was diagnosed with a fatal condition and thinks, well i dont have to take this much medication, because not everyone with my condition dies. what!!?? thats just not smart!! its a proven fact that as you get older your reflexes, and your sight, hearing, etc. all get a little less then perfect so why take that risk. i mean their just a few tests, and its not like were trying to yank licenses from them entirely, were just trying to make sure that they are both mentally and physically capable to be driving, safely 5   4

marcia  - I agree but take it further |2008-11-30 05:51:20 I agree 65+ should be retested every 4 years. A gradutate lic. should be given so older drivers can maintain some independence.But if we are really concerned with public saftey, then a driving test every 10 years for those ages 25-65 and make the insurance company lower rates for all those people who pass. 9   2

tomd  - You all are making good points, but... |2008-12-08 22:41:08 I am a retired police officer age 59 with no accidents or citations, ever. I have seen and investigate hundreds of accidents over the years and all ages and situations were involved. Probably 30% of all the drivers on the road today should not be there. I also believe that the elderly drivers should be tested frequently, I'm talking about annually, at any age someones health, awareness and reaction time can change. I live in Arizona and was appalled that when I got my license here it was for many years, too many, without having to get a vision test or reaction time test. Most of the accidents I see involving elderly drivers has nothing to do with speed. It's bad judgement or confusion. Just two days ago an 85 year old woman turned into the oncoming lane of a 4 lane road and hit a couple on a motorcycle killing them both. She refused medical treatment at the scene. About a month ago an 82 year old woman drove through the wall and into our local post office. This type of thing happens all the time in this country. Now for the other side of my 'gripe' if you will. I see young drivers today doing things that scare me seriously. I'm talking about the 20 to 35 year olds who are driving down the road, texting which by yhe way caused an 18 year old gorl to cross the center line and hit another car headon recently in Phoenix killing everyone aboard buth vehicles,, talking on on the cell, putting on make up and eye liner using BOTH hands!, tailgating, driving aggressivly (usually because some old person is slowing them down), driving in the fast lane too slowly and don't even notice the 4 or 5 cars behind them who would really like it if they pulled over to let them by. I could go on and on. Any one who reads this and drives a vehicle, the next time you get in your car, start it up and pull out onto the road , remember that somewhere out the someone else idoing the same thing and is going to try to kill you. Drive defensivly and pay attention to everything that is going on around you. If you see something happening first you can probably avoid it. God Bless...tomd in AZ. 17   2

Lenyce Bernard  - Im writing a paper also!!!!! |2008-12-10 22:04:13 It's not an elderly attack it is just wise. All elderly people should take the test over because some elderly people senses get weak and cannot keep up on what's going on. 8   2

Georgia  - My opinion for my coursework!!! |2008-12-12 12:02:54 I believe that elderly drivers should be re-tested at a certain age but should not have their liscenses taken off them at that age because some may be able to see and drive perfectly fine. Having a re test and maybe a sign in the car saying elderly driver would help them and the community. Elderly people should not be treated differently and it is not their fault. I think that after a test they should be fine and be able to drive freely. Although many crashes and deaths may be casued by them, young people are just as much to blame and a higher majority of crashes are caused by younger drivers. If the elderly people that are tested are not fit to drive then they should not but a test is the best way to find out and to make the roads safer. That is just my opinion and i am sure that many of you will agree or disagree, but you must be able to see some idea in the suggestions that i have put orward to you. I do not believe that it is age discrminiation as it is helping us to stay safter and stop the crashes, injuries and deaths caused by unsafe elderly drivers. Thank you for reading. 6   3

Wayne  - Not a Right but a Privilege |2008-12-20 00:10:14 Remember, I think it is importatn to point out that no one has the "right to drive", regardless of age. Driving is a privilege and as such you need to earn that privilege. No law states everyone has the "right" to drive. Everyone over 70 years of age, buck up. I won't let my kids drive with my 80 year old mother and she still doesn't get it. She disregards signaling a lane change or yielding in any situation. Over 70? Take a road test, if anyone dares to go with you. Reminds me of the joke "My father died peacefully in his sleep...not like the others in his car who were screaming." 5   7

Otto  - Driving Ms Daisy |2009-01-03 18:01:55 I found this web page while searching for info on laws about the elderly driving. I agree with Tomd on the driving abilities of all ages. My car was hit in the parking lot of the local grocery store by a woman in her 80s two days ago. I was stopped directly behind her waiting for a space to be vacated when she backed into me doing minimal damage. I parked and got out to exchange papers only to see her heading out of the lot. I ran after and got the license # and called the cops. The cop smiled when he took my statement and asked if I wanted to charge an old woman with the hit and run. He dropped by her house and she called me at first denying she ever hit me. Then when I calmly said that was fine and that we will let the insurance people handle it she then offered to pay in order to avoid the points on her insurance. Interesting response from an innocent party I thought. While she may be confused, she is evidently not stupid. Ms Daisy dropped by this morning because she wanted to take pictures of the damage. She continued to waver back and forth from claiming innocence of everything to dismissing the damage as not worth worrying about. She even brought alcohol swabs to wipe away the mark and I really had to vigorously tell her to stop touching my car to avoid further damage. Breathe deep - ok, after letting that out, my main concern is that after meeting Ms Daisy I know now she is not capable of properly driving a car. She is too short to see out the back window. She is confused and loses focus while talking which leads me to believe she loses it while driving. I fear the next time she backs up it won't be my 2,000 LB car she hits but a child. There should be testing for all throughout our entire lives, not just when elderly. 13   3

Lawndale  - I'm am too doing a Paper!!! |2009-01-09 08:11:37 I read every ones comments and i too agree that the elderly should re-take a test for their vision and driving skills because we all no that the elderly are a major hazard to us all on the road and they can seriously hurt us on and off the road. 7   5

Carol  - Curious |2009-01-28 03:55:30 I agree that not "everyone" should be out there on the roads driving. But when I read some of these comments from the younger people who automatically think that a person should not be driving after a certain age: Well, let's fast forward many years and see what THEIR opinion will be when THEY get to be that age!! I just bet that most of them will change their tune! 4   6

Minnesota Molly  - One of the Elders |2009-02-03 17:52:00 I can see testing the driving abilities annually or every 2 years after, lets say, 70.....But I also think that we should test the youngest drivers for the same thing......Once they get their license, some of them through caution to the wind and speed, tailgate, and as TomD said they are texting, talking on the cell phones, putting on make-up or showing off (if there are others in the car)... They put others in peril with no regard for anyone but themselves....So, until age 30, all drivers should have to take a road test on an annual basis.... 4   4

Ry Ry  - Straight Up Dusty |2009-02-06 13:50:07 Ok, Carol, I disagree. Old people are terrible drivers. And if they're not, then what's the problem with taking a simple drivers test, testing things like their vision, and reaction timing. I personally find nothing wrong with the elderly taking a second test if that means there are less accidents occuring on the roads. I may be 17, but I'm not hating on the elderly, everyone has the right to drive their vehicles. 5   1

tara  - the elderly should not drive |2009-02-12 02:38:52 i think they casue alot of problems on the road my mother has alot of problems with them bumping in to her and so forth..but they should be tested at the age of 60 because not all r bad drivers! 4   3

kgirl  - eledrly should not drive for certain reasons |2009-03-07 13:47:11 i think the elderly should not drive but i do know there are some older people that can drive well. Thats why we should just send them in every year to take a driving test and if they pass they can drive if they dont no more driving for them. 4   3

Ashley  - RE: whatever |2009-03-13 19:00:49 yes we understand that elders are still humans but retaking the drivers test doesnt nessicarily mean they cant drive they are just tkig the test...DUH!! and if they dont have fast enough reflexes or cant determine time spaces between things they shouldnt be driving b/c they are a major hazard to everyne around them....retaking the drivers test doesnt mean they cant drive...old people enjoy to drive yes but some of them are so old they dont need to have their drivers license anymore because they cause accident and are hazardous to other drivers and cause other around them to get frusterated because they are driving to slow and that could cause someone to try and pass them and that caould cause an accident.... 7   3

rhonda  - my dad |2009-04-29 17:49:05 my dad was sitting at a stop sign waiting for traffic to clear when he was bulldozed over by a 70 year old woman. she was on meds and didn't have any business on the road. We as a country need to protect ourselves when on the road. too many stupid drivers already exist. the elderly need to have stricter laws when renewing their drivers' licenses...... 3   2

John  - Elderly Drivers |2009-05-07 23:52:44 I agree with this and think that every state should make their elderly retest, because I live in North Dakota and they are always driving the wrong way on one way streets and I also seen them get into crashes and say they weren't at fault. they shouldn't be driving if they can't pass the test. 3   2

201341018  - MY OPINION... |2009-05-13 15:58:20 Hello. I am a senior citizen who KNOWS about all these dire effects occuring on Earth. I just don't know why people will not allow the elderly to have the freedom they want as by not allowing us to do anything we wish by driving cars its as if we are banned to do things as well as working for the country and playing my part in making it a bettter place to be in the UK is not nice on how people will want to ban us from driving as one day they will be in the same position as us. 1   9

Eric  - You don't know until it happens to you |2009-05-13 17:49:25 I was just in an accident 2 days ago, 5/11/09, with a lady that was 90 years old. She was using a center turning lane as a traffic lane. According to witnesses and the officers taking the report she did not see me, from over 600+ feet away. She never broke or anything. I did see her and tried to move out of the way. I could not get out of the way because of traffic. The only thing that saved me and didn't make it any worse was I had turned my car a bit. All that happened was she still hit me at 35-40 mph but she ricocheted off me. She never used the brakes. No skid marks or anything. She still caused about 00 damage to my car. This could have been much worse. I could either be seriously injured or she could have been killed. So people saying that making people of a certain age prove they can drive is not discriminatory its safety. Safety for them and the other people that are driving on the roads with them. We had to prove that we could drive get our licenses and at a certain age we should prove we can still perform at a safe level. If not well there is always public transportation. 4   3

SKM  - They need to test every year! |2009-05-15 20:59:35 It's simply a fact - sad, but a fact- that as we age, our physical abilities decline. There are very few exceptions to this rule. My co-worker is married to a 95-year-old man who thinks his driving is just peachy, when, in fact, he runs red lights, stop signs, drives in two lanes at one time without realizing it, and literally cannot hear. He accidentally drove over his own foot and broke it because he failed to put the car in park before getting out. She refuses to ride in any car he's driving and it's a real source of conflict between them. It's nothing personal. Inexperienced drivers have issues (I personally got in an accident less than six months after I got my license because I didn't look carefully before backing out.), drunk drivers have issues, physically limited people have issues. To say it's discrimination against the aged is ridiculous. People need to stop being so sensitive and start being sensible. 3   2

bob  - senior citizens driving |2009-05-18 20:59:50 i almost got ran off the road by an old person because she couldn't see me! they should get retested! 3   4

nick  - common sense! stop the car! |2009-05-26 19:52:23 whatdoya know... i'm writing a paper too! well... i completely agree with drivers needing to take tests for driving. in madison i watched as the senior in front of me veered across all three lanes at once! he didnt even have his blinker on! common sense! you dont drive well! 3   2

Emily  - I'm doing my coursework on Should the Elderly be |2009-06-03 15:50:08 I really agree, I have only just started my paper but already most of the evidence points to the fact that many elderly drivers fail to drive as well as others that are younger. Their reaction times, eyes sight and and just general problems are a hazard to other drivers. By having such problems puts them at a disadvantage. I'm not being discriminate to the elderly, I just think that they should have to take medical tests to be able to drive. My nan struggles to drive - sometimes even forgetting to indicate. I worry that she could cause an accident. But my grandad, who is older, is one of the best drivers I know. The facts are simple to see: the elderly are older and will suffer more problems but should be able to drive. 10   1

Ivars Piens  - Driving with age |2009-06-05 23:39:26 I had my first accident at age 69. It was not my fault, but I realized I may have slowed down. So I joined the BMW Car Club High performance driving schools. By now, I am signed off for solo driving on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International Raceway, Lime Rock Park, but not quite yet at Circuit Mt. Tremblant in Canada. In ten years, I have had one serious spinout with financial consequences. I will review my future activities next year - at my 80th birthday! 8   1

mary  - prejudice |2009-06-18 17:03:05 Yes I think that people who do not have the skills to drive should not drive. Of any age. But I fear the overgeneralization to "the elderly" that I read in these posts. That is pure prejudice. Have I ever seen an elderly person wander out of a lane. Well sure, occasionally. Have I seen a young person wander out of a lane? You bet, frequently! I have fast reflexes, excellent vision, and notice and avoid the dozens of younger people lurching, wandering, jerking along while focused on their cell phone conversation. Never saw an "elderly" person talking onacell phone while driving. I'm good at avoiding wild people and trucks bent on tailgating on crowded highways. What about all the just- below- the legal limit- drinking drivers? Something needs to be done about unsafe drivers, but it should not be based on a class--that is just prejudice. 3   3

oli dewes |2009-06-21 11:56:44 you might all be saying that old aged people should be retested- that is a good idea but i dont agree with the people who say they should be taken off the road. infact research shows that out of everyone 21-24 year olds are most involved in crashes and people 65+ are actually, can you believe it least involved in critical crashes. doesnt that mean that 21-24 year olds should be tested again? i think that you should take this information in before you say they should go off the roads 1   6

Michael Winston  - I love old people |2009-07-02 11:04:28 Old poeple should be allowed to drive because I am one. I am 74 and a perfectly healthy individual. I useed to work for the council as a motorway maintance officer so I'm used to doing alot of driving. Its time that us, as old people, fight for the power to drive on. 0   19

gordon hargreves  - i want to drive |2009-07-02 11:09:39 i was recently informed that i might not be allowed to drive soon after celebrating my 87th birthday. i am very offended as there are worse people than me,such as drunken yobs on the road killing inocent people. i am angry about this and hope you reconsider that we are not all stupid. 0   12

li  - should the elderly drive |2009-07-05 15:52:13 I agree and dont agree I think young people are the dangorus ones they are more reckless and more than often they suffer from road rage just like emily I have just started my coursework and there might be elderly people involved but there are also younger drivers so I think both sideds are at fult 1   2

Owen Eden  - I will be old one day |2009-07-31 07:47:25 I read the postings from two people who tell me that I will be old one day. I sure hope so. But, when this happens, I will have no problem surrendering my driver's license because my golden years should be all about enjoying the rest of my life. I would not want to have to deal with the guilty conscience that would occur if I accidentally killed someone simply because I JUST HAD TO HAVE THINGS MY WAY. I plan to live in the downtown area of any city where I can be within walking distance of my things. Public transportation would not bother me either especially if I was retired and had ALL DAY to get my destination. 3   2

Nicci Surtees  - Ms |2009-08-03 14:18:58 I think seventeen-year olds shouldn't drive. I was knocked over and dragged underneath an SUV driven by a seventeen-year old boy. He sped through a red light at an interesection where I was crossing with a walk light at traffic lights. He didn't see me because I was wearing dark clothing. He was talking to his mother on a cellphone and she heard the impact of him smashing into me. If he couldn't see well enough to see someone before he banged into them, why was he allowed to drive? Why don't we ban unsafe drivers of whatever age? Why don't seventeen-year old driver have adequate insurance? I think all drivers should, by law, have insurance that covers potential victims so they can live a decent life, even after they've been maimed by drivers who are too old, or too young, or too stupid. Let's get bad drivers of all ages off the road. 3   2

Inconsiderate in PA  - I drive like an asshole... |2009-08-07 20:17:54 ...I am a 21yr old male living about 40 minutes north of Philadelphia. At minimum i drive an hour a day (sometimes much more than that) and I have to admit that I am, at times, a terribly inconsiderate driver. I drive a stick shift and almost always have something occupying my right hand; be it a cell phone, an ipod, cup of coffee, you name it! I text while driving, often enough, and just yesterday on my way home from community college I accidentally cut off some creep in a blue truck who flipped me off & then yelled asshole out his window as another car honked at me for pulling out in front of them while making a left hand turn. to be honest I couldn't help but laugh at the situation and pray that no police officers were near. I think the main problem with my driving is not that I'm incapable of passing a test (obviously), it's that I don't pay attention and genuinely couldn't care less about the other idiots on the road. The sad part is that although I drive like a moron I have faith that my cat like reflexes will save me in the event of an emergency & have to this day have not been the cause of any accidents (accept for the time i fell asleep at the wheel - but even then I didn't hit another vehicle). When it comes to the blue headed crowd, I believe that their problems are similar. Although most of them are capable of driving they simply feel entitled to do what they want and lack the foresight and reaction time to compensate or preform a successful get away. Unfortunately the majority of American youth (aka anyone born since the 70's) has little or no appreciation for the elderly and don't concede to their driving needs. I think that testing is a great idea, sure why not?- but I have very little faith that any of you people have tried to get a license lately or even been to a damn DMV - that crap will take forever (especially if we have a bunch of old peeps clogging up all the lines!). Also with all the 55 and older VOTING communities popping up none of these changes are ever gonna happen. I say that people continue to drive & as long as there are assholes like me out there you all better try and keep your eyes open. Hopefully you can make it to a ripe old age and then begin/continue to terrorize the streets with your selfish senile ways. Or maybe some idiot who takes the time to read all these posts can write a book on the subject, a book that will shock our generally apathetic/lazy society into social reform! Then this heroic author may one day be able to afford a chauffeur at the time of their biological degeneration. Until then, good luck! 4   7

David |2009-09-04 22:05:46 Our neighbor is 94 and has poor eyesight and hearing. It absolutely horrifies us that she still drives. We regularly inspect her care for dents and scrapes or, heaven forbid, blood and other evidence that she has clipped a person. There is a new scrape on there every few weeks. She is going to kill someone one of these days - it is just a matter of time. We can all thank the AARP for allowing her and others like her to stay on the roads. It is the AARP, with its deceptive statistics, that lobbies state legislatures to not mandate testing above age 70 and so forth. The main stat they use is the overall risk of a senior being in an accident versus persons from other age groups. The pitfall here is that seniors do not drive nearly as many miles as those of us who work, etc. Also, they lump in persons between 55 and 70 with those who are 70+. Those are dramatically different age groups in terms of their driving skills. The fact is that on an accident rate per mile driven basis, 70+ drivers have a massively higher accident rate. This would be even higher were it not for the fact that accidents caused by seniors tend to be underreported because the attending officer does not want to be the one who "took granny's keys from her". I have seen this actually happen with an aunt. 8   1

Dan  - Dialogue |2009-10-05 20:43:41 The elderly are so often left out of the conversation about when it's appropriate to curtail or cease driving altogether. How do I know? I'm preparing the case to deliver to my father-in-law and I'm certain this is simply the human tendency to avoid uncomfortable subjects. This tendency to avoid or to become autocratic about driving is only human and we can and will overcome our natures to be better people, sons and daughters. Take the time to do it right. Research, document and find a way to be respectful and understanding when you finally have this difficult conversation. Remember ... this was the person that pulled over in the middle of nowhere to change your dirty diapers, taught you how to drive and probably helped you buy your first car. 2   2

Doreen  - seriously injured by elderly driver |2009-10-17 10:38:39 My life and the lifes of my loved ones have changed forever! My husband and I were hit by a 76 year old driver that crossed the double yellow line and hit us from behind while we were walking down our street Easter morning. I lost a leg and my husband suffered serious brain injuries. One of my daughters was with us, but didn't 10   2

Mariely  - Who to Blame? |2009-10-28 03:24:47 Ok Elderly drivers with age become more sensative more fragil and many develope eye sight problems etc. But where do you leave these teens who are constantly TEXTING and Driving, Drinkingf and driving. And middle age people who tend to leave late from a certain place and think they will make it in time if they speed up causing more accidents and more aggressive drivers. So put it this way if you are more relistic and look at it in diffrent points of views why not retest every one anually. Like many of you said its not about pointing fingers but about making our roads safer so lets start with all our road problem. Not only elderly but with all drivers including teens. And no i am not saying this just to pick on teens, i'm a teen my self and am very stuck in the bad habbit of texting and driving so lets all take reasponsibility for our actions 0   1

kayleigh  - driversss :) |2009-11-04 15:04:53 i think everyone has the right to drive and i see where everyone is comeing from, and i know a lot of young people like 17- 20 year olds want to drive too... but most of them act all hard, and go speeding and i think they cause crashes the most. Elderly people, although there reaction time is slower, they drive slower so there is no need for speed and no-one rarely gets hurt, so althought they cause some crashes, What age group doesnt , and everyone deserves a right to drive, and we should all act responible and drive carefully... 0   4

Donna  - I can read |2009-11-13 20:13:01 It was written to confuse, but the stats above say elderly people are NOT in accidents "disproportionate" to their numbers in the population. To wit, "in 1996 they were 19 percent of licensed drivers" but accounted for "5% of all people injured in crashes, 13% of all traffic fatalities, 13% of all occupant fatalities, and 18% of all pedestrian fatalities--i.e., they do better in every category proportional to their numbers among licensed drivers. Teens and young adults should be so lucky. Their stats in these categories is appalling. The spin put on these stats in the article above is just that--spin. Figures lie and liars figure. 0   4

angel  - i say retest them |2009-11-19 18:02:54 im doing a speech presentation on this topic and you know before i came to this website i was all for it and now im leaning towards it more than ever. you have senior citizens killing other motorists and peditrians because of multiple reasons. i would not want to be walking down the street let alone my child and end up being hit by an car. Senior citizens are not bad in any way, but in order to keep the streets safe we have to think smart. it saves their lives and the lives of innocent people. i also do cna work and we have a 75 year old guy there that has his own car and leaves to go see his ''girlfriend'' that lives across town....well somedays he dont even remember which car is his!!! he tries to unlock every car there is in the parking lot!!! He's a sweet older man but its obvious thathe should not be driving anymore because his memory is bad. he may forget the traffic signals or anything!!! but luckily there are programs out there that voluntarily drive these seniors to where they wanna go....safely. 8   0

Tyresha  - be responiable 4 ur actions |2009-12-01 03:52:01 when it comes to teens i think we are worse then the older people are. We kill more people then any other ages. I think we should leave the older people alone and just do wat you do accidents happen in any ages. Wat is the so big deal I dont see it. Be responiabel for urself. 0   3

Harry lawson  - old people |2009-12-01 12:34:16 i do not believe that old poeple shold be alowed to drive. they cause unneccesary havoc and danger to the public. 3   1

David Rod  - Grandpa |2009-12-04 15:16:07 my grandpa got in three accidents last month. One of which was in my car which is beyond repiar. Im just thankful we is alive but he still complains that he wants to drive even though he has already sent himself and 4 others to the hospital. how can we keep him off the roads with out destroying his freedom 5   0

b.blakichan  - old people?!? |2009-12-11 17:04:00 I think it is a good idea for the old (70+) to have to take a driving test every year. the reason for that is because some or most older people lose there site or hearing or they forget stuff. so isnt it a bad idea for older people that have some of those problems to not drive because, if they forget that there driving or fall asleep behind the wheel and freak out and or wreak. 2   0

Tory |2009-12-16 00:09:26 I see this as a real problematic issue. Obviously if an elderly person is racked with nerve pain throughout the day, he is not capable of looking over his shoulder, moving his body while driving, or moving his foot from one pedal to the other. Also, if a person has been diagnosed with diabetes retinopathy, which affects vision, then he is not able to drive well. I don't care how long the person has been driving. I don't care how it would affect his personal feelings. I don't care if someone in this condition, and especially in their mid 80s, feels that this is an attack on the elderly. Someone who mistakes a solid green light for a green arrow, and turns, and the other cars are able to stop in time, then the elderly driver is not capable of driving. When there is a problem, when a crash occurs, then those injured by the elderly person need to do the following: go after his assets, go after his family members (for not doing something about this problem - it is there responsibility and obligation to take care of these people), and go after the elderly person's physicians - all of them. If they are prescribing medication for a persons myriad medical ailments, including diabetes retinopathy, nerve pain, then these physicians are very aware of the person's ability, or lack thereof, of being behind the wheel of a car. All of these persons mentioned above need to be responsible for the elderly's actions - those in their care. Otherwise, then they should all be dealt with in a court of law. 2   0

Brian  - Keep the roads safe |2009-12-16 20:01:56 We all know that elderly people are not the sole reason for why are roads are unsafe. However, they are a factor regardless and there should be some sort of system put in place to seperate the elderly drivers that are a hazard to the roads from the elderly drivers that are not. I know from personal experience that 8 out of 10 times that i've ever been cut off, ran off the road, seen someone run a light or stop sign, etc. it was an elderly driver. So while many things need to change to avoid accidents as a whole, we are talking about elderly drivers here. And like a few others have already said; having a drivers license is a privilege not a right. 3   0

Garnetta  - We need to b heard |2009-12-21 06:52:05 When i am older and my son notices a change in me that comes with aging for my safety and the safety of others i hope he tells me to stop driving. I was hit my an elderly woman who didnt know she had hit me. Why is she driving? If u cannot see a whole car and understand that u should yeild there is a problem. My car is totalled and it was a miracle to walk away from that accident but it could have been avoided. I am writting a letter 3   0

Abel  - A-ROD |2010-01-12 22:25:10 ! think that every 6 months the elderlyshould have a small test just to make sure they're still in tune. people 60 andup. 2   1

Robert Brunton  - mr |2010-01-18 12:52:39 The biggest problem with aged driving in the UK today is that most aged drivers are useing there motobility car scheme, some if not most are driving while useing medication , some have been conned into useing there motobility to lease a motor car from the scheme as a motobility scheme user my self i think any one joining this scheme should be retested to see if they are able to drive at todays standards. 1   2

oaponice  - Mrs |2010-01-18 15:18:16 I live at a crossroads in the centre of my village so see what other drivers are doing all day long. Yes I know my driving is not as good as it used to be but, this is because I drive less so am out of practice. However I still know how to signal which 60% of the younger drivers seem to be in total ignorance of, I know not to hug the corner when turning left on a blind corner but move over to the centre white line so as to have a chance of seing round and do not sound my horn and drive straight across all things I frequently see happening. I would willingly take a refresher test if this was required. 4   0

yorricks |2010-01-18 15:58:23 All drivers should have a drivers medical and eye test every 4 years at the most and then judged should they have or cause an accident,in which case they should take a mandatory defensive driving course with a final test of competance.This should apply to drivers of all ages as so called facts ,data and figures are regularly being massaged to attain particular aims of the few or politically inclined and cannot be trusted for obvious reasons. 3   3

Dyadira  - no more old people |2010-01-20 14:37:45 I really believe that people over the age of 60 should not be on the streets anymore. Their licsense should be taken away once they turn that age. They have too many disabilities in order for them to be driving safely. They are a huge danger not oly to others but to themselves.They no longer have fast reflexes to save themselves from a potential car crash. The driving tests are only given after elderly people after they have gotten in car crashes. It should be prevented and the only way to do that is to forbid them from driving. 2   5

Jack Mehof  - old people do not need to be on the road |2010-03-10 19:25:40 i have been in three difrent crashes and all of them have be cused by oler people. over age of sixty. they have no place on the road but should have docters exsuses for there driveing licens 0   0

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