Elderly Drivers..?

You hear about it in the news, always the same general story. Elderly man plows through school, killing one child, injuring others... on his way to a driving exam. Elderly man plows through farmers market. You see the video of an elderly woman who plows through a Sears at 40mph.

So... I know its hard to give up the keys and say, I can't drive, but for others they'll drive until the day they die goshdarnit. Young drivers also are a threat on the road, but only experience will teach them the right way. The elderly are pretty scary. They can't see well, can't hear well, and are always driving incredibly slow or incredibly stupid.

How do we ensure that the elderly are driving safely and not being a threat? They're old, calling them a threat is harsh, but I myself have been rearended from a complete stop by an elderly man who somehow did not see my fat Taurus stopped for traffic. How do we get the elderly to put down the keys, make sure they're mentally fit to drive?
Additional Details
Should car manufacturers begin making elderly-friendly cars with turn signals that turn off after 5+ miles of being on, front end impact alerts (as some cars now have)? You know they drive through buildings a lot, and they're not doing it from being parked and being in drive instead of reverse. You don't try to reverse going 40+ mph, you go slow so you don't tear off the back of your car on someone elses front bumper... What should we do to ensure we're all safe?

Good Deeds

It is up to state and provincial governments to make and enforce the laws. In Ontario Canada once you pass a certain age you must take the exam every year. This should also include a driving test not just for elderly but also people with poor driving records. Driving is a privilege not a right. Don't abuse the privilege, be safe.

bob g

I have seen "under seventy" drivers who have caused hazardous driving conditions; Speeding in school zones
driving into houses, accidents caused by inattentive driving such as talking on cell phoned putting on lipstick etc. Most important you all should be aware of DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, DRIVING IMPAIRED,BY ALCOHOL AND DRUGS. I suggest you compare fatal accident statistics caused by "under seventy" with "over seventy", on a per capita basis.You may be surprised at the results. In addition, I have yet to hear of any one "over seventy" behind the wheel, after using crack cocain
Dont jump to conclusions, and dont be in a hurry to put us :"over seventy" folks into a group of careless, impaired, irresponsible citizens. We have more experience and use better judgment. Besides. We drive slower!!!
age 72
just my thoughts

Jan

The only reason you hear about it in the news is because of their age.There are drivers of every age that are doing the exact same things,only they don't get the news coverage.Taking away someone license after a certain age is not fair to the majority.My father is 86,hadn't had an accident over 40 years until 2 years ago when a young woman on a cell phone hit him.Now because of that accident and his age he has to pay higher insurance.The accident wasn't even his fault.How do you expect these people to get their shopping done,go to Dr's appointments and just do general errands.Not everyone has access to public transportation or family that can drive them.I think EVERYONE of all ages should have to take a driving test every so many years.It would get rid of alot of bad drivers.
I would rather be on the road with an elderly driver that is driving too slow than a kid who thinks he is invincible and is driving like a lunatic.

A A

Supposedly the mother of the child that was killed is trying to push legislation that would require yearly testing for people over 70 I believe.

But think of it this way...the chances of that bill to pass are very slim. You have the A.A.R.P. which has deep pockets who have lobbists in Capital Hill fighting against it. And you have many politicians themselves which count on elderly voters.

To counter-act that thought, you dont have a teenage organization battling for age rights wanting to drive under the age of 15.

All depends on how the message in the legislature is written. Instead of people focusing on "your taking the rights away from the elderly", the focus should be "We need to focus on Safety for ALL, NOT selfish personal needs".

Just my thought....

viki

it not just the elderly , more accidents r caused by young teens as well , maybe we should all just take taxies everywhere and drive the cost of spending up some more so the only people going anywhere will be the rich, how about that

shelly

If they are able to withstand a good driving test, including reaction time and maneuver capabilities - they should be able to drive. If not, they should not be allowed a license from that point on.

husquarana

retake driving test every year and have a full medical.

expertless

its not totally fixable. there are people of all ages who are very poor drivers. so you cant do anything aimed at old people only. i think the best way is when the driving test is re-administered that the driving tester not pass anyone that exibits really poor driving ability, be it old or young. have an appeals system set up so its not up to one person to deny the privileges. also make it a serious offence to drive without a license

Terri R

I think at age 60,they should all be made to take an "on the road" driving test every year until 65. After turning 65,the test should somehow get tougher and a higher standard be met. At age 70,GIVE UP THE KEYS and they should be given a lifetime pass for free bus and/or cab rides. Calling 95% of them a threat is not harsh,it's the truth.

Mickirs

after a certain age they should retake the driving test a young kids have to

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