Do you believe in mandatory testing for elderly drivers?

@ersmommy1 (12588)
United States
July 26, 2008 5:25pm CST
I have one relative in his 80s who I think is a safe driver. And another around the same age who I think needs to start using public transportation. My hubbys grandfather in his belief shouldn't be driving. He suffers from dementia.
7 people like this
12 responses
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
26 Jul 08
In my opinion, all drivers over 65 should be tested - at leas vision - every time they have to go get a license. My old boss was almost 80 and we knew darn well he couldn't see well and had his license. I bet he spent $5K last year repairing damages done to his car.
2 people like this
@movicont (495)
• United States
26 Jul 08
Yeah, I think testing of elderly drivers is reasonable. There are obviously going to be some elderly drivers who should no longer be driving, either because of their health or vision problems. It really just depends on how much it improves driving safety--so far I haven't seen any conclusive articles claiming either way.
2 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
27 Jul 08
My father in law is in his early 70's and shouldn't be driving. He almost always gets a bit too close to causing an accident. His eyesight is going, his hearing is already gone, and he has no feeling in his feet. He really shouldn't be behind the wheel.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
26 Jul 08
I really think so to ensure his safety and that is for his own good
2 people like this
@clstar08 (68)
• United States
26 Jul 08
I think that testing is a good idea, since people age at different rates. It makes setting a standard alot easier.
• United States
27 Jul 08
Yes I do think there should be mandatory driving tests required once you reach a certain age, whether you think you need it or not. I think it is only being safe to the other drivers out there. When I get older I certainly wouldn't mind retaking a driving test. I know I've talked to my Father about this many times, he is a retired Sheriff's deputy and he said the majority of accidents he worked were caused by elderly people. I know there would be A LOT of arguments against this but really what is more important? The safetly of everyone on the road, or having your ego scratched a little by having to retake a driving test?
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
27 Jul 08
I feel that letting an elderly person on the road who is having problems driving properly is like having a drunk driver or a 12 year old behind the wheel and can be just as dangerous. I think they should start at 65 maybe and do testing once a year or so. It is the safest thing to do anyhow in my opinion. It could save lives.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
27 Jul 08
Personally, I think this should be a case by case basis as to when is too old to drive, and should they continue to give out licenses to older people as well. My husbands step dad just turned 80, and drives all over the US without any problems and is still a good driver. His dad is like 77 or so and still drives as well. They both still enjoy driving, and it would be a shame to see either of them being limited due to age.
• United States
29 Jul 08
I believe elderly testing should be mandatory. Not everyone loses their driving capabilities at the same age, and if we were to impose an age limit on driving, then it would be discrimination. I believe that testing should start at age 70, and be conducted every two years. If they don't pass, they don't get to continue to drive, just that simple.
• Canada
27 Jul 08
Absolutely!! I think once you're around 70, you should have to go for regular retesting. As you get older, your sight and judgment may start to decline, and I feel you should have to prove that you are still capable of operating a motor vehicle safely. My husband was in an accident a few years ago, caused by an elderly driver. My husband had right of way, but the elderly driver decided to proceed into the intersection anyway. The driver said it was his second accident that month. A few weeks later we were driving home and saw an accident - the same elderly guy had hit another vehicle. He had managed to hit three cars within the span of a couple months. I have no problem with elderly people driving, as long as they are capable of driving safely and still understand the rules of the road. But once their skills begin to deteriorate, they become a danger to everybody - including themselves.
• United States
4 Aug 08
Yes. Oh, I could put more words in here but I think we need mandatory testing. Eyesight, reaction times, hearing, and dementia. All are important issues. All need to be tracked. Some people would claim it is unfair to concentrate on the elderly. People at any age can have these problems. But, to my way of thinking, these issues occur more often in the elderly and it is certainly justifiable.
@shrashira (438)
• United States
26 Jul 08
Personally, I think there should be testing yearly starting at 70. I have nothing against the elderly driving, however at the same time I don't want to get hit while shopping at a flea market either.