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| Yes | 52% | 440 votes | Total: 849 votes | |
| No | 48% | 409 votes |
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Add to FavoritesBack in 2003 an 86 year old man drove his Buick through a crowded farmers market. Nine people were killed, including a 3 year old girl. More than 54 people were hurt, 14 with critical injuries. When he finally stopped, the 86 year old man got out his car and screamed at people to get out of the way. No alcohol or drugs were found in his system. Apparently, he was just old and confused.
This was a horrifying incident, but it is also not an isolated one. There are many, many examples of elderly drivers driving into swimming pools, houses, storefronts, or worse. In fact, only young teenage drivers have a greater number of accidents.
In our teenage years we all hear "driving is not a right, it's a privilege." That is still true, and there comes an age when driving is no longer a privilege that can be allowed. Yes, the driving extremely slow with the blinker on thing is annoying. But after a certain age, reflexes, eye sight, and dementia are very serious concerns. Undoubtedly, these age-related impairments affect some older adults driving ability. By the time a person is between 85-90 years old, his or her driving privileges should be examined.
One option is to start with a curfew. Anyone over the age of 85 should not be driving after sundown, because driving conditions are not as safe as daylight hours. Remember, this is not their rights that are being taking away, driving is a privilege.
Another option that may allow older drivers to continue driving could be new technology. Perhaps there could be a short test taken before a car can start. Maybe a voice warning system that alerts drivers to busy streets and approaching stop lights.
Licensing laws vary greatly from state to state, and it's time for a National law on the age limit for driving. The motivation for this law is safety. The thought of a demented octogenarian with failing eyesight barreling down the road in a two ton piece of metal is unsettling to us all, nation-wide. There are federal laws against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Shouldn't some prescription drugs also be included? The average 85 year old is undoubtedly taking at least one or two prescription drugs daily. Driving impaired is not only challenging for the 85 year old, it's dangerous for the rest of us.
Learn more about this author, Bruce Campbell.
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No
It would be difficult to legalize a maximum age for driving in the US. Our world is constantly changing. Soon the medium longevity age will be in the 90's. I know people right now who are over 85 who drive successfully. Why set up a maximum age when all of us age differently. We all matured differently, didn't we? Let's not take driving away from someone because of age; instead, take that privilege away if the person cannot perform or see well enough to drive.
There are enough negative consequences to getting to be a senior without adding another one. It hurts to walk, so we need to drive to the store, at least as long as we can remember where the store is and how to get back home. Our memories get short, but our skill to drive has been honed well for about 50 years. We drive a little slower to allow for slower responses, but at least we won't get speeding tickets! We follow the rules; young people in today's world think they are beyond the rules, so they run red-lights and stop signs.
Seniors who have good eyesight and stamina still drive long distances. Friends of mine drive to Wisconsin every year. I, for one, would not because I fall asleep too easily. I know this, so I don't drive long distances! Most of my friends know when to quit driving. Once a person racks up a few tickets, he/she evaluates the need to drive. I remember when my mother quit. She couldn't see well anyway, but this one time she knew she shouldn't be driving because she could hurt herself or someone else. She gave her keys to my father and said, "Don't ever let me drive again."
Most seniors are responsible drivers. Long-term memory helps alot. Many of us only drive to the store, church, or a neighborhood close by. Younger people need to think about the time when they will be a senior citizen. Making a person give up driving is like taking away a person's freedom...freedom to go from place to place whenever he/she wants. Without a car, the senior has to rely on someone else to get them to the store, the doctor, etc. Many cannot ride the bus because of having to walk a long way to the bus stop. Some cities do have home pickup, but that is rare.
I feel that senior members of our society still have the right to drive if they can pass the driver's test and the eye test. If they fail, then they need to be re-evaluated; perhaps they just need their glasses updated. Perhaps they didn't have a new copy of the latest rules of driving. Give them a chance to try again before yanking away their transportation.
Drivi ng is not a right; it is a responsibility that we must earn and maintain. It is a regulated activity that could be very dangerous to others. We must use common sense when we drive. If we run over curbs, can't read the signs anymore, or forget how to merge into traffic on the freeway, then we need to be considerate and practice safety by not driving anymore. It is the responsibility of the driver to decide when to stop driving even if he/she can pass the driving and sight test. Be safe, not sorry.
Learn more about this author, Ann Palmieri.
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