Would it be discriminatory to the elderly to require more frequent driving tests from them?

Kim N

Good public policy for sure! I have always held the belief that once past a certain age, one should be required to take not only the written test, but the actual driving test as well. It's not denying civil liberties to ensure the safety of others. Personally, I think anyone renewing their license should have to take the written test. Too often, accidents that could have been avoided occur because of negligence or pure selfishness on the part of the person who wants to get to their destination. Older persons who drive too slowly or have difficulty with directions or vision can cause accidents without breaking speed laws. Accidents caused by the impatient people who try to edge, speed or go around the slower elderly driver. Every state should adopt new DMV laws that require retesting on different levels at different ages. That way it doesn't target certain groups, but makes it safe for everyone. Let's reduce the number of deaths caused behind the wheel!

Leogirl0804

I live in an area that has a huge population of seniors (as most places in Florida does). I think it would be in the best interest of safety that they have to renew their license in person past the age of 70. A special line please though. I don't think they should be punished, just physically reviewed. If they can't even see the eye chart, do we want to put them on the road? I've seen too many accidents that shouldn't have happened. But when you mix hot shot teenagers and senior citizens it can get rather messed up.

vbrink

In Indiana driving is a privilege, not a right, and therefore the State can make laws governing the operation of motor vehicles. So if any particular group is more prone to accidents, then I think the State has the responsibility (public policy) to make laws that reflect that statistic. But in a sense this is already regulated. If a particular group is more prone to accidents, then insurance companies charge more for that group's insurance rates to reflect the risk. If the cost is too great, they don't drive (insurance is required in Indiana...).

miss jade

HELL NO!!! alot of them need them.

amglo1

Unfortunatly pride takes over where common sense should step in. Too many seniors will continue to drive because it represents their independence. My mother at 70 gave up driving on her own because she was having black-outs. The AAPR is after membership money without regard for the actual members. They have become nothing more than a PAC.

Christopher

In Illinois, once you turn a certain age you need to take a driving test, and renew your license every year. I think it is 65.

kelikristina

I agree that it's a very sticky issue, and there's good and bad things about it. You would have to find hard proof that the elderly are worse drivers. It's easy to find statistics (ex. how many car accidents involve elderly people), but then you also have to prove not only that those accidents were their fault, but also that they were caused because of their age (physical problems, etc...)

But if someone (or a group of people) were to collect really thorough information, I'm sure they could convince a member of the government to push a bill in Congress, or even statewide. Statewide may be easier to start at. People often underestimate the impact they can have.

If someone had GOOD evidence, then it would be viewed as more of a good public policy. If it is a weak attempt, then it will be viewed as discrimination. It's a very fine line...

lilyann

No way would it be discriminate!! I was thrilled the day my father voluntarily surrendered his license. He was a threat to life and limb, and thank God, he had the sense to know it.

I actually think everyone over 50 and under 25 should have more frequent driving tests. It would be good for all concerned. Might even lower insurance rates. LOL

rockydriver22

yes, but in my opinion its necessary

Final Frontier

Sounds good to me. We might also want to make each town have a mandatory bus service to the Country Kitchen Buffet. That would keep them off the road as well.

GIDDYUP

Anyone who wrecks a vehicle should , ANYONE !!!

missinglincoln

I believe drivers over the age of 60 should have a full examination - including written, practical, and medical tests - every year.

I believe drivers under the age of 20 should have a full examination - including written, practical, and medical tests - every six months.

I believe drivers between the ages of 20 and 30 should have a full examination - including written, practical, and medical tests - every year.

I believe drivers between the ages of 30 and 60 should have a full examination - including written, practical, and medical tests - every two years.

Testing drivers more frequently benefits *everybody*.

-:Â¦:-SKY-:Â¦:-

I'd say it would be good public policy. We're tryin to yank the car keys away from our Dad right now cause somebody's gonna get hurt real bad. Unfortunately, he's not having any of this.

If you've taken at look at fatality stats, it's the kids under 21 we have to worry about. The invincibility factor!

dodge_mj

It sounds reasonable. My grandfather was allowed to drive when he was almost blind and only had peripherial vision. He lived in a small town, and everyone just got off the road when they saw him coming.

On the other hand I think seniors would be upset because thier independance is being taken away. Some towns and cities have better public transportation than others, but good public transportation should be a human right.

Sydney

I certainly don't mind the elderly and the younger to take frequent driving tests. Actually it makes sense. Even though I don't fall in those age ranges, it would still be a concern for me that it would be another fee/bill to pay. And frankly, I'm tired of paying for extra fees.

Tim

I'm all for more frequent driving tests, but why not spread them out? Say, you have to take one every five or ten years, no matter what age bracket you fall into. That way, since individual brains and bodies age at different rates, and mental diseases can strike anybody at any age, we can cover everybody, and we can avoid charges of age discrimination (unless the AARP argues that the longer you've had a license, the more good driving you've done and the more experience you have, therefore the elderly should have to have less frequent driving tests than the young!)

Dale P

I am very much in favor or more frequent testing after a certain age. The main issue is the aging process can advance quickly in some cases. Eyesight failing. Reaction time diminished. Confusion due to Dementia or Alzheimer's. I think it should be a special license that needs to be signed off on every year by a doctor specializing in geriatrics. The elderly should be seeing a doctor at least once a year anyway. It could possibly even be limited if only some skills have diminished. Like no freeway travel or distance over a certain amount from home. Mainly, just to cover necessities.

I see no civil liberties issue. You can't get a license before a certain age for a reason. Should be the same on the other end.

clorox.bleech

I think driving tests are a great idea for the elderly.

There are different levels of ability among elderly people of the same age; some are healthy, some are not. Testing would keep elderly who have bad eyesight, arthritis, and other things that would impair their driving off the roads. And elderly people who are perfectly healthy can stay on the roads. It works out for everybody and saves lives.

I'm a teenager, and I've been old enough to get my license, so I don't want to say that getting a license should be made harder...because I want mine! :P But really, teens can be very irresponsible drivers, but I'm not one of them. I don't party, race cars or drink.

charlie c

No way! I totally agree with you dude. Old people shouldn't drive, and if they do they should make sure they still can ride something other than a dinosaur. You are totally right dude!

dappersmom

it actually sounds like both.

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