7 of 16

No

Write now Print Email Article Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites Contact this writer

It can be very tempting to say that nobody over a certain age is allowed to drive a car. But you would be generalizing way too much with doing something like that. For not all people are the same and not all old people are the same. There are people who can't drive safely anymore at age 65 and there are also people who are still very good drivers at age 80.

Still it's a fact that the older we get the harder some things get. Driving requires doing a lot of things at the same time and digest a lot of information quickly. The older we get the harder this usually gets. But if you have been driving your whole life and did it frequently then it's very well possible that simply experience can keep you drive safely till a high age. Your brain has got wired a certain way and especially if you stay in a familiar area your risks for an accident aren't any higher than for the average driver.

But of course we all know examples of old people who had their car keys taken away, as they were a danger on the road. So obviously there are also lots of people who can't drive safely anymore when they get old. So how are we going to solve the problem?

Well, I think this doesn't need to be very complicated. Everyone above a certain age (let's say 70 or 73) must do a driving test every two years. This should be a test about basic driving skills and doesn't require a trip through central LA during rush hour. And it should be paid for by the government, for it's not fair to let people pay for it themselves. If someone passes the test then there's no problem and they can drive for another two years without any restrictions. If someone doesn't pass the test the license can be taken away completely or maybe someone could get a a license with restrictions. Restrictions could be that the person can only drive in a certain area or not during certain times of the day (rush hour).

This way safe drivers don't need to fear anything and those who have serious problems can't cause any danger anymore. It would be very hard for people to lose their license, but if they know they are a too big danger it might be easier to accept.

Learn more about this author, Rixta Francis.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

more options

hide

Add your voice

Know something about Should there be a maximum age limit for driving in the US??
We want to hear your view. Write now!