I agree on testing all drivers every time a license is due. I particularly notice a lot of desk jockeys ( at least people with suites on) being stressed out while at the steering wheel. They are the most likely to be cutting people off. Not all of them do that but they seem to be the most stressed out people at the wheel.
Seven
of MI
@
Jul 23, 2009 09:34:18 AM
Older Drives
I would think and hope that when the times comes that I am over 70, that I would happy to take a test to confirm that I am fit to drive.
I do not understand the resistance to over 70 testing. A 70+ fit driver is just as likely to be mowed down by an unfit 70+ driver as the rest of us.
WillieA
of MA
@
Jul 18, 2009 22:07:55 PM
Brain/Crash Risk Connection
I am CEO of Posit Science, the leader in clinically-proven brain fitness software, and we’ve studied the link between safe driving and brain performance ... it is the strongest predictor of crash risk and it can be tested. In general, performance declines with age and it can also be improved at any age with the right exercises (just like physical fitness).
Based on this understanding we just released DriveSharp, an interactive brain fitness software program to make people safer behind the wheel by training the brain to think faster and react quicker. It is clinically proven to reduce crash risk by 50%. These results are supported by research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the product is recommended by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. For more information, please go to www.drivesharp.com ... there is a free online demo of one of the training exercises. While we cannot stop the inevitability of aging, we can invest in ourselves to stay vibrant and safe.
Steven Aldrich
of CA
@
Jul 15, 2009 18:02:13 PM
Irritating
So if I'm getting this straight, we shouldn't target senior citizens as bad drivers because of their age, and because not all of them actually are unable to drive? Hmmm...I would've loved to hear that when they were targeting young drivers just because of their age. Last I checked, not all young drivers are bad either! It's a case by case basis, but it's clear that this issue has more thought put in it when voters are involved and the legislators realize that they can't be "grandfathered in," but will be something they may have to put up with, God willing they live that long.
I agree, not all senior citizens are bad drivers, just like not all junior operators are bad drivers. But if there are restrictions put on junior operators because of the inexperience that comes with all of them, there should be restrictions put on senior citizens as their health begins to fail, and they become more impaired. It's just a part of life. No amount of experience is going to save you from an accident if you can't react to it fast enough.
I know of more elderly drivers that were involved in crashes than I know of young drivers. One in particular killed my best friend's dad and showed no remorse for his family; he was convinced throughout and after the court hearing that it was not his fault, that my friend's dad was just a reckless young'n who should have been looking out for HIM...but in reality he was just too impaired to be able to drive safely, which a doctor's examination proved.
So to answer the question of this title, I suppose the answer is, "Yes, but do you hear junior operators crying about it?"
Seven of MI @ Jul 23, 2009 09:34:18 AM
WillieA of MA @ Jul 18, 2009 22:07:55 PM
Steven Aldrich of CA @ Jul 15, 2009 18:02:13 PM
Opal Hail of MA @ Jul 13, 2009 19:05:44 PM
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