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Old people are dangerous drivers. Did I get your attention? At the very least, did I write what you were thinking? Many people DO feel that this statement is true. We come to this conclusion because of two things. First, some of us aggressive drivers get annoyed with old people driving slowly. Secondly, we watch the news, and remember those stories about the elderly driver going the wrong way on a highway and causing a fatal accident. I am here to say, these cases are the exception, and not the rule.

Elderly drivers DO have a tendency to drive slowly. As much as I hate it, it is neither illegal, nor dangerous. The only accidents caused by slow drivers are really caused by the aggressive drivers trying to pass them. It is unfair to punish those who are following the rules, based on the actions of those who break them. That would be like blaming a theft victim for having a purse.

In regards to the accidents that ARE caused by the elderly, I would like to reiterate that these are rare occurrences. More frequent, are accidents caused by teenagers, drunk drivers, tired drivers, and otherwise distracted drivers. None of these things are the real issue, though. The real issue is, at what age do you tell people they are no longer allowed to drive? I know a ninety year old woman who can hardly walk, but is perfectly safe and in control behind the wheel of her car. If we set the age limit below for drivers below 100, we are eliminating from some, the ability to care for themselves. If we set the age limit at or above 100, we may be doing the same thing, and further would only be eliminating a miniscule percentage of the population.

I DO believe that drivers of all ages should be subjected to a retesting of their abilities. Doing so would eliminate problem drivers in the elderly community, as well as others who are no longer fit for the roads. Simply judging someone by their age in this regard would be unconstitutional and unfair. Judging someone based on ability however, makes sense, and would be perfectly fair.

The next time I'm in a rush, and stuck behind some old guy in a Buick driving five miles an hour below the speed limit, I'm going to be angry, and I'll shout about how old people shouldn't be allowed to drive. But I will be wrong. I will eventually calm down and realize that they have just as much right to be on the road as the rest of us.

Learn more about this author, Josh Komon.
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