I've said many times that my mother lives with us. She will be 87 in a month, and last year at this time she voluntarily decided to stop driving. I suspect the world heaved a sigh of relief. I occasionally made her drive so that I could observe her driving, and I knew she was coming to the time when she'd have to quit. She had voluntarily limited her driving the last couple of years to four or five places: the hair salon, the grocery store, the library and JoAnne's Fabric, and her doctor. If she needed to go elsewhere, I took her. We talked about the least heavily traveled routes, and we also talked about times to avoid being on the road. I think we eked out freedom as long as we could, and I was lucky that SHE was able to decide it was time to quit.
With that in mind, I came across a debate on this subject in the "Costco Connection." They printed six responses to the question "Should elderly drivers be tested more stringently?" Each of the six respondants had a different take on the situation.
A hospital worker said "Yes," that there are too many seniors hurt in car crashes. Another said "Yes," because senior reaction time is slower, and they are likely to be on medication which makes them drowsy. A third said "Yes," citing the Federal Aviation Administration requirement that pilots who reach 60 must manditorily retire. I felt that last one was a bit of a stretch, but I suppose it sets a precident for public safety. Actually, I think 60 is a bit early for pilots, but I've never read the medical research on which that decision is based.
There were also three "No" replies. One man felt that insurance firms monitor our driving record, and that history of driving should determine testing schedules and not age. Frankly, I would NEVER leave any decision to the insurance industry. They have too much control over my life as it is. But I think history of driving is certainly something that should be taken into consideration. The problem with assigning the responsibility to the insurance industry is that you have to have several accidents first to create a negative history.
A woman felt that examiner bias could be a problem if every senior citizen was forced to take a test. She thought doctors or optometrists should have to notify the state when someone obviously is impared. I'd veto this idea too. First of all, have you had an appointment with a doctor lately? You get about ten minutes of hurried consultation. Would you want a person who sees you for ten minutes a year to make a decision that has such a great impact on your life? And, of course, the doctors would take the opportunity to CHARGE you for filing those papers!
The final response was, in my opinion, the best:
"No. This question needs to be updated to "Should anyone who is renewing a driver's license be tested more stringently?" Renewing a driver's license should not be discriminitory. Anyone (not only senior citizens) who is not capable of handling a motor vehicle should not be on the road. The Department of Motor Vehicles should retest all renewing parties."
Yup. I agree. Have you looked at a motor vehicle law book lately? I think most of us drive on auto pilot, and there's a LOT of detail in that book that many of us don't remember. I think peroidic testing is a GREAT idea. I'd also like to suggest that anyone who has had their license suspended for traffic violations should have to be tested more frequently.
I live where a car is a necessity, but many forget that driving is a priviledge. We are obligated to make the roads safe, and I think peroidic testing is a fine idea, no matter what your age.
Comments (2)
Every time I come up for renewal, I get the full book from the state and reread it. It is amazing how many laws change each time. Some flip back and forth.
The wierdest law had to do with turning on your lights. In most states, it's one half hour AFTER sunrise (to ensure there is visibility) and one half hour BEFORE sunset, (same reason).
I blew this question the first time out while renewing in this state. Theirs is half hour Before sunRISE, and half hour AFTER sunSET. Dudes, it's dark during those periods of lights out.
That is one that flip flops all the time here.
Posted by Wichi Dude | November 10, 2003 7:27 PM
Posted on November 10, 2003 19:27
Good plan, W.D. Too bad everybody doesn't take their driving as seriously as you do!
Posted by Buffy | November 11, 2003 9:23 AM
Posted on November 11, 2003 09:23