by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: July 02, 2007

Yes! Let's give this idea the green light!

For their own safety, and the security of others, senior citizens ought to have periodic testing for renewal of their driving licenses. In many US states, this is already the case.

Every four years, all American drivers must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles office to renew their licenses. Most of the time, this is merely a formality, with paperwork and fees. New photo IDs are issued, and drivers are set to roll again. In some states, vision and written (road rules) tests are administered every 8-12 years.

Why don't we just test EVERYONE each time our licenses are renewed? The elderly are not the only ones who may endanger others with diminishing driving abilities! We have to visit the DMV, take a number, and wait in line anyway. Why not test us while we are there?

Certainly, we ought to test senior citizens, at least every four years, when they renew their driving licenses.

As we age, our vision and hearing may deteriorate, along with our ability to react quickly to surprise situations and unforeseen dangers. Arthritis may also impair driving skills, such as steering and shifting and looking back over a shoulder for possible hazards.

Medications and elderly dementia can affect many older folks' ability to pilot vehicles safety as well.

Of course, friends and family members may notice these changes. A few years ago, a certain family member of ours attempted to land a private airplane on the interstate. That incident clearly indicated it was time to blow the whistle and retire his pilot's license.

Automobiles are conveniences, and we treasure our independence. However, we cannot be allowed to endanger ourselves or others. Even at slower speeds, just a few blocks from home, an accident can prove fatal.

By regulating behind-the-wheel, vision, and even hearing testing for elderly drivers, we might prevent many accidents. If this were the law in all states, then caring family members would not have to single out their own loved ones. All of their peers would be tested as well.

Perhaps a complementary transportation system, to and from the testing facility, would make this less inconvenient and encourage driver compliance.

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