SENIOR CITIZEN DRIVING EXAM
I'm sure this would probably be unpopular to a fair number of our elders, and therefore perhaps politically difficult too - as we know this is a demographic who vote in large numbers (which is great and all), BUT considering the increasing rate of traffic accidents among the elderly, (INSERT STATS HERE) would it really be such a bad idea to create the expectation that as we age we take the responsibility to ensure that we're not endangering each other on the road?
I propose that as we turn 65 (or 67) and become a recognized Senior Citizen, if we wish to drive, we re-take a simple driving test / medical / hand/eye coordination exam, etc.
Maybe even tie receiving social security to this (provided one wanted to continue driving, that is).
There's been a fair bit written on this topic re: losing our independence as we age and how tough this can be emotionally. The ability to drive is one important, tangible aspect of independence for many seniors, for our parents and loved ones. This might seem harsh. It isn't intended to be.
Isn't it just a fact of life as we get older? Our reaction response rate, for one, is just not as quick as it used to be. Aging should be nothing to be ashamed about.
But frankly, on the road, it just is more dangerous. And it would be poor judgement on our parts to just willfully continue to ignore this.
We have got to make this about safety. Not just for our senior drivers, but everyone else on the road around us.
We should also couple this campaign with improved accessibility in public transit. (We need better public transit throughout the nation anyway.)
STILL, it's about safety.
We've got to be able to come up with some reasonable compromise.
Offensive Potential Rhyming Slogan That Would Never Happen: "Over 65, Still Know How To Drive?"
I propose that as we turn 65 (or 67) and become a recognized Senior Citizen, if we wish to drive, we re-take a simple driving test / medical / hand/eye coordination exam, etc.
Maybe even tie receiving social security to this (provided one wanted to continue driving, that is).
There's been a fair bit written on this topic re: losing our independence as we age and how tough this can be emotionally. The ability to drive is one important, tangible aspect of independence for many seniors, for our parents and loved ones. This might seem harsh. It isn't intended to be.
Isn't it just a fact of life as we get older? Our reaction response rate, for one, is just not as quick as it used to be. Aging should be nothing to be ashamed about.
But frankly, on the road, it just is more dangerous. And it would be poor judgement on our parts to just willfully continue to ignore this.
We have got to make this about safety. Not just for our senior drivers, but everyone else on the road around us.
We should also couple this campaign with improved accessibility in public transit. (We need better public transit throughout the nation anyway.)
STILL, it's about safety.
We've got to be able to come up with some reasonable compromise.
Offensive Potential Rhyming Slogan That Would Never Happen: "Over 65, Still Know How To Drive?"
