by C S MacPherson

Created on: February 23, 2009

Before anyone drives it makes sense for them to think about their health and consider whether it is safe for them to drive. A person could be twenty years old and have serious health issues that make it unsafe for them to drive.

The real question should be about how to evaluate potential drivers whether they are elderly or not. Which tests would be most effective in proving a person's ability to drive to earn or renew a license? A written test, an eye exam, and a driving test may be enough for some but for those with certain medical conditions, they may benefit from testing and retesting more frequently. It would make sense for drivers to test or retest on their driving skills every few years. Maybe with a doctor's supervision, they would recommend a patient to not continue driving or request that they retest in certain areas.

It does not make sense in our country of freedom to produce a blanket law for all citizens above a certain age stating they no longer have their freedom. We can't take away people's rights because they have reached the age at which they no longer are human anymore. What we can do is protect everyone involved, including human rights, by requiring a person to pass certain tests and procedures to maintain their license. No one would be singled out. Along the same line of reasoning with you are innocent until proven guilty, a person should be allowed to drive with a license until it has been proven they are no longer capable to do so safely. If this means more tests to maintain a license for everyone, that would be fine. We can all use a refresher course on paying attention while driving and not being distracted by phones, radios, or children in the car.

If the issue really is about a person not being able to see, not thinking quickly and responding quickly with fast reflexes, then their doctor should be advising them not to drive and requiring additional tests for showing if they are capable of driving.
This is not an issue that we should just arbitrarily decide on an age for people to stop having the freedom to choose to drive. It should be decided on a case by case basis of who is physically and mentally capable of driving safely. When you reach eighty years old, would you like to just be told you are no longer human, you have no human rights, we do not care about you, you are meaningless to society, just stay home? The message you are telling people is loud and clear. Do not take away the rights of the elderly or you will never stop taking away human rights.

Learn more about this author, C S MacPherson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.