by Christine Pettaway

Created on: March 22, 2009

As we grow older things that we have learned begin to fade, laws change, and our physical and mental health change. This doesn't happen to everyone at the same time. Not everyone should have to give up a convenient leisure such as driving just because they reach a certain age. Instead of putting a maximum limit on the driving age they should give a senior the chance to refresh their memories and prove they are still okay to drive.

A maximum limit is unnecessary, however, it wouldn't be a bad idea to required driver's training at a certain age. I believe some people are more than capable to drive themselves into their senior years, but some should not be allowed to be behind the wheel. It just wouldn't be fair to set a limit on everyone when we are all different with different abilities.

If it was the law to go through a brief driver's training at a certain age or several intervals after a certain age we could insure the safely on the roads. This could be done when someone turns 50, 60, or older. A class could be provided reviewing state driving laws. Written and driving test would need to be passed just like it was your first time. If you pass you get to keep your license. If you fail you should have to choice to retake the test a certain number of times. If you are unable to pass then you should not be allowed to drive.

This way it can be determined by your ability behind the wheel and not just because of the year your were born. We all have or will go through physical and mental changes the may have an influence on the way we drive when we get older, but to have the government say you no longer have the right without knowing what you are capable of doing is unacceptable.

Along with this would have to be perks such as programs that provide safe transportation for seniors that are not able to drive themselves around. It'd be like assistant living, but in a car. They wouldn't have to pay cab fees just to get to the grocery store every week, but they also wouldn't have to worry about putting themselves into danger just because they are unstable behind the wheel.

Besides, no matter what the precautions are there will always be dangerous driver young and old. To say, "we are revoking your license because it is your 68th birthday" just isn't the way to deal with this issue. There are other solutions that are more plausible. So far, I believe retaking driver's training is the best way to determine whether or not someone, no mater the age, is a safe driver.

No, a maximum age limit should not be set for drivers, but something should be done.

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