Should elderly people have their licenses revoked?

My Character Profiles · December 12, 2007, 4:20 AM

Well VengefulRonin kind of mentioned this in another thread, but I didn't want to stray off topic. So...what do you guys think about elderly drivers? Including handicapped drivers, hearing impaired drivers, and elderly drivers who may have slower reflexes than younger people.
We've all been stuck in traffic behind one of those old folks that goes 25 mph under the speed limit...on the freeway, and driving too slow is just as hazardous to others as driving too fast!

Do you guys think that elderly people should have to take routine tests to ensure that they are safe enough drivers? Should all people have routine driving tests?

December 12, 2007, 4:29 AM

This is a really big fear of mine while driving. I was driving with my boyfriends grandma and I feared for my life. She didn't seem aware of anything else going on around her.

I have noticed elderly drivers are most responsible for running over pedestrians, and just because you got your license 50 years ago doesn't mean you can still drive like you used to. You can always spot an elderly on the road too just because the way they drive, and I try to stay clear of them.

December 12, 2007, 4:57 AM

That's more of a generalization. I, on the other hand, know tons of elderly drivers who know what it means to be 'safe' on the road. Take a look at stats and see how many casualties elderly drivers take and create. They are mostly way better than we teenagers when it comes to driving.

I don't know if you guys have considered this, but maybe elderly drivers know what speeding can actually do to you, perhaps?

In regards to elderly drivers being erratic, that's a minority. I wouldn't support giving elderly people tests for driving because I think it's unfair, and besides, think of what you're saying here.

If elderly people today get driving tests, and by apparent teenage reasoning, that they might fail and get off the road completely, then think about what happens when you're in that stage of life and, circumstances permit, you cannot drive because your license was revoked.

December 12, 2007, 4:59 AM

Uhh, yes! Definitely! Even some states are already enforcing this issue. I believe old people should be tested at a certain age, such as 65+? They should be tested regularly for reflexes, eye sight, hearing, and more. Also old people have a higher risk of getting a heart attack, fall asleep easily, stroke, etc. An old person driving on a 55MPH highway and all of a sudden they go unconscious. Nice huge accident there, could kill a few innocent people. Not to mention we hear often on the new on how some old person drove into a building. (Remember that old lady who drove into a super market? =P)

Actually a few incidents happened around me involving old drivers...A year ago a 25 year old pregnant woman died because an old lady pulled out in front of her on a 60MPH road. There were also other car accidents that happened because of old people well....Being old, having bad timing and reflexes.

Old people are at high risk now by the way. They're right below teenagers. Not to mention, during rush hour on a busy, packed two-three lane highway...If you're not going the same speed as everyone else, you're putting yourself in a risky situation. It is MUCH better to follow the speed as everyone else is.

December 12, 2007, 5:05 AM

At the age of 65, people should start being tested if they are fit to drive. They should have their eye site and a cognitive assessment. If they pass them both, then they should still be able to drive. If they do not pass, then either their driver's liceness need to be limited or it should be revoked.

December 12, 2007, 5:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbourne

I don't know if you guys have considered this, but maybe elderly drivers know what speeding can actually do to you, perhaps?

First off, this issue isn't just about speeding. Have you ever woken up late and had to rush off to work, only to be slowed down by some twat driving 10 miles below the speed limit and you can't pass them, even if you blare your horn and tail them? It's happened to me countless times. I don't know if you've considered this (old people certainly don't), but people DO have places to go, be it work or doctor appointments or a work interview, not everyone is just driving for the sake of getting to the mall. By going so slow, you prevent people from getting to important destinations. Not to mention I'm fairly certain it's ILLEGAL to drive 10 miles below the speed limit.

Hell, on several occasions when I've ridden with my grandparents and my grandpa will actually go below the speed limit ON PURPOSE to piss off the other drivers. Now I'm not saying all old people do that, but they don't consider the possibilities of WHY someone needs to get somewhere.

Quote:

In regards to elderly drivers being erratic, that's a minority. I wouldn't support giving elderly people tests for driving because I think it's unfair, and besides, think of what you're saying here.

No, it isn't a minority. I don't know what the town you live in is like, but around here there are alot of old people, and I've been driving for 5 years now so I can say without a doubt that most old people are horrid drivers. I'm pretty sure most people here who have been driving for a while can attest to that.

Quote:

If elderly people today get driving tests, and by apparent teenage reasoning, that they might fail and get off the road completely, then think about what happens when you're in that stage of life and, circumstances permit, you cannot drive because your license was revoked.

That very thinking about what happens in that stage of life is WHY states have decided to test old people! Vision and reflexes deteriorate, even if you are a smart, fully sane person...once you hit that stage it is DANGEROUS to be on the road, not just for yourself but for others. Testing determines whether you have the physical capabilities to still be considered safe for driving. If they fail it's for a very good reason.

For 10+ years before she died, my aunt would always get her drivers license renewed by mail. You know what? For those 10+ years her sight kept deteriorating from cataracts till she was legally blind, yet she still drove. That is a prime example as to why old people need to be tested! I'm sorry, but if you can't see that then either the elderly people you know are perfect human beings or you don't do much driving.

December 12, 2007, 5:29 AM

Actually, it's both VR. All the elderly people I know are actually quite capable drivers and their ages are far beyond 65.
And yes, I barely drive, but my conclusions on the subject are just based on that.

You guys bring up good points, but I just disagree with it.

December 12, 2007, 5:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbourne

Actually, it's both VR. All the elderly people I know are actually quite capable drivers and their ages are far beyond 65.

Wow, so you know perfect human beings? Care to share their secret on how to do it? And please take note, we are not saying old people shouldn't be allowed to drive. We're saying they should be TESTED. If the old people you know are perfectly capable drivers then they should pass the tests fine and you have no reason to complain.

Quote:

And yes, I barely drive, but my conclusions on the subject are just based on that.

You guys bring up good points, but I just disagree with it.

You just killed your entire credibility in this thread by saying that. You have barely any driving experience, admit we make good points, yet continue to hold to your bias? Real smart.

December 12, 2007, 5:42 AM

1.) What were we talking about again? Perfect people, or perfect drivers?

2.) Who cares about credibility? I just posted my opinion and I stand by it.
EDIT: And what bias are you talking about?

December 12, 2007, 5:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warbourne

1.) What were we talking about again? Perfect people, or perfect drivers?

Well, I said:

Quo