The Danger of Elderly Drivers

In my previous blogs I have discussed the dangers of elderly people driving and I have offered several possible and feasible solutions. I believe elderly drivers should have to take an annual driving exam, whether they be 65 or 70. They will either improve their skills or if this is not possible, they can participate in the special mass transportation program I mentioned in my other blogs. By requiring annual driving exams, some "lacking" elderly drivers will take the initiative to correct their ailments. Some will be influenced to take regular eye exams and to participate in healthy exercise (which could improve muscle strength and increase their response time) making them overall healthier people. This may be idealistic of me, but I'm not a monster and I don't care if someone drives at a speed that they are comfortable with, even if it is below the designated speed limit. However, I do want to protect our children and families from preventable car accidents with the added benefit of protecting our elderly, too. My blogs are not meant to belittle elderly drivers. I am sympathetic towards elderly drivers losing the privelege of driving as well as their sense of independence, but my intent is the secure the safety of everyone on the road.

(second post is in the form of a comment on my first blog)

The Danger of Elderly Drivers

An Elderly Driver.

egmcartech.com

What's as dangerous, if not more, than a sixteen year old driver?

Answer: An elderly driver.

Although what age is considered elderly varies from person to person, elderly drivers pose a risk to the safety of all other drivers. According the the article, "When to Put the Brakes on Elderly Drivers," elderly drivers experience slowed responses due to a declination of vision, hearing loss, and muscle strength. They also may experience drowsiness due to medication, which is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, and both is punishable by a DUI.

In 2007, USA Today, a reputable and national American daily newspaper, posted an article about older, dangerous drivers called, "Older, Dangerous Drivers A Growing Problem." In the beginning of this article, Robert Davis and Anthony DeBarros recall the account of an elderly driver, Elizabeth Grimes, and the tragedy of this driver hitting a seventeen year old that was on her way to school. Davis and DeBarros explain that a neighbor saw the signs of Grimes's unsafe driving state, but did nothing about it. They further explain that most elderly drivers cling to the independence of driving, even though it conflicts with other drivers' safety.

In order to be fair and safe, elderly drivers should have to have an annual driver's exam to test their motorist skills. This would be beneficial for everyone because it keeps safe and competent elderly drivers on the road and it increases the safety for all drivers. In the following video, the Patriot Ledger, a local newspaper, interviews an elderly driver, Elsa Grimm. In this video, Grimm states that, "We live in our cars, but everything depends on safety." She claims to be a safe driver and doesn't believe all elderly are unsafe drivers.

A YouTube Video. Interview with Elsa Grimm.

In the next YouTube video, WPBF talks about how some elderly drivers "just lose control" or commonly mistake the gas pedal for the brake pedal. This video supports my view that annual driving tests for those over seventy can efficiently "weed out" the unsafe drivers while keeping capable drivers on the road.

Too Old to Driver?