Driving: Way Over the Hill (6)

If you were to describe the U.S. in one word, I'm sure many words would pop into your head. How about "cars"? A huge percentage of Americans own and drive cars. In this country it doesn't take a lot to get behind the wheel. It's even easier to stay there, as long as you don't get too many speeding tickets. Retesting requirements aren't common and elderly folks who got their licenses back in the Roaring Thirties can be seen zipping around. Now the question arises, Should elderly drivers be required to reapply for their licenses?

My sister and I were catching a ride to a concert with an elderly couple, and neither of us will forget the experience. Jerky driving, flying along the freeway, arguments over which way to turn, last-minute swerves to take an exit - I was relieved to find out that this couple recently decided to carpool to visit relatives in San Jose. I do believe there should be a system that effectively screens out incompetent drivers.

Consider aviation, where any ordinary Private Pilot has to take a flight review every two years, regardless of age. This weeds out dangerous pilots. A study seemed to suggest that as the result of a mandatory vision test for drivers over 80 in Florida, accidents in the older driver population have decreased significantly. However there could be several reasons for these results. You can check the article out here. From personal experience, I know there are some elderly drivers who should be banned from the road. So enough with excuses about "age discrimination." It's better for ego to be injured than for bodies to be in the hospital.