First, let me say that I am not “bashing” the elderly, just stating a VERY obvious problem.
Personally, I believe that the elderly should have to pass a second driving test once they hit a certain age. Most at that age are either deaf, going blind, delusional, and much more. Also, their reaction time is far less than what it should be. I don’t agree with allowing the elderly to drive without having them prove that they are still capable of doing so. I would be more than willing to take this driving test myself when the time comes.
I get so angry when I am driving the speed limit (or more) and low and behold.. a huge cadallac boat pulls right out in front of me doing 10 mph. I truly think that the vast majority of the elderly should not be driving. Tehy will openly admit that they have eye issues, hearing issues, and probably should not be driving, especially at night. But instead of doing the right thing (for most), they continue to put others at risk.
Maybe it’s just me but this very much irritates me.
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Your statement is very fair. My grandfather decided for himself when he turned 80 that he shouldn’t drive anymore (he was not a bad driver) so he simply stopped.
As people get older, their reflexes slow down, as their cognitive skills. This is neither an illness; it’s just the way it is. I wish more elderly drivers would not be in denial, and not feel it is a demeaning thing to give up driving, or at least to take a new driving test. It would benefit everyone..
Our company (www.keepingussafe.org) offers programs designed to address and prevent this very issue.
We have a group presentation aptly titled “Gramma, Can You Drive Us to Get Ice Cream?”, which is designed to help seniors better understand the relationship between the aging process and driving.
We also have the “Enhanced Self-Assessment Program” for senior drivers and we serve all 50 states. Please visit our website or call toll-free 877-907-8841 to learn more about how we can help!
Matt Gurwell on November 6th, 2009 at 12:24 pm | Link
SOMEDAY IT WILL HAPPEN!! YES, SOMEDAY YOU TOO WILL BE ELDERLY!! ENOUGH SAID!!
rad on November 15th, 2009 at 2:53 pm | Link
Okay you Rad, you idiot, I know that I will be elderly someday but I won’t be selfish enough to keep driving when I know I shouldn’t be!
JustPeachy on November 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm | Link
I concur! I’ve already said that when I get older, if I start to not drive normally….take my keys away. yes, seniors have a right to have a license and drive…but not at the risk of others safety.
there have been too many times where a senior has held up traffic, slowed it down and everyone trying to get out of their way. once, on 295 (in Jersey, it runs parallel to 95/Turnpike), there was a senior in the left hand lane (why I have NO idea). they were goin’ like 40 mph. seriously! every one behind them goin’ like 80 has to screech the brakes just to avoid hittin’ the old person. all this happened at night no less! a trooper finally came and escorted the person off the road.
bottom line: senses are failing cause seniors are succumbing to the aging process. seniors cause more accidents than inattentive teenagers texting! why is it when a teen gets their license it’s a ‘privilege’, but by the time a senior….it’s a ‘god given right’.
GeekChic on December 25th, 2009 at 4:21 pm | Link