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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by eroxgirl
I'm more afraid of teenagers driving than baby boomers, but I'll admit that the examples posted are scary!
yeah, my 17 year old nephew is the next up..I told him I will stay off the sidewalks.
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Posted 7/21/08 2:32 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Mommy2Boys
My Boys!!!!
Member since 6/06 14437 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
To be honest, I am nervous about almost ALL drivers these days. Car accidents dont seem to discriminate, although yes, teenage or young drivers and elderly drivers (over 80) scare me most. At the same time, I see plenty of drivers my age or in their 30's, 40's or 50's that need to have their license taken away IMO.
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| Posted 7/21/08 2:36 PM |
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MST9106
My life:)
Member since 6/06 9589 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
To be honest, it terrifies me...my neighborhood has a large population of elderly people and Sundays here are the scariest. We have seen so many accidents in our neighborhood alone that its not even funny. They were mainly caused by elderly individulas (I'd say 75 and up) that just drive and don't pay attention to nobody else on the road including pedestrians.
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| Posted 7/21/08 2:45 PM |
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mrsmck
Be a big girl!
Member since 5/05 4898 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Maybe there should be a new driving law that says all drivers over a certain age are required to take a road test every X number of years to get their license renewed. (Maybe their renewal period should be every 3 years)
(Driver's age and # of years between road tests to be determined by NYS.)
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| Posted 7/21/08 2:52 PM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by mrsmck
Maybe there should be a new driving law that says all drivers over a certain age are required to take a road test every X number of years to get their license renewed. (Maybe their renewal period should be every 3 years)
(Driver's age and # of years between road tests to be determined by NYS.)
I think some sort of retesting should apply to everyone - every 5-8 years or something. I took my written exam & road test in 1985 - I am sure there are a few things I forgot since then. And maybe set up retesting criteria for people the receive too many violations or are at fault in accidents.
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| Posted 7/21/08 3:01 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by Christine
Posted by mrsmck
Maybe there should be a new driving law that says all drivers over a certain age are required to take a road test every X number of years to get their license renewed. (Maybe their renewal period should be every 3 years)
(Driver's age and # of years between road tests to be determined by NYS.)
I think some sort of retesting should apply to everyone - every 5-8 years or something. I took my written exam & road test in 1985 - I am sure there are a few things I forgot since then. And maybe set up retesting criteria for people the receive too many violations or are at fault in accidents.
There was a bill proposed for exactly that - mandatory driver test for everyone over a certain age. But, the problem is that AARP is one of the strongest political lobbies out there, probably because there are so many elderly people in our population. They lobbied so strongly against the bill that it never passed. So, unfortunately, it's up to the family to intervene, rather than the government.
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| Posted 7/21/08 3:12 PM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
I meant that everyone should be retested at some point - not just people over a certain age.
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| Posted 7/21/08 3:15 PM |
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mommy2bella
Where does time go?
Member since 12/05 9747 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by mrswask
Just because your dad terrifies you behind the wheel does not mean that all people in their 60's drive like that and are certainly, imo, not elderly. I'm much more concerned about other types of distracted and young/inexperienced drivers.
My Dad has personally terrified me behind the wheel since I was a wee little one and he was my age...
Young drivers DEFINITELY scare me more. No one is focused on just driving anymore with all the texting, talking on the phone etc.
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| Posted 7/21/08 3:38 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by Christine
I meant that everyone should be retested at some point - not just people over a certain age.
If I am not mistaken California does this. I think it is supposedly random, but I remember my aunt telling me she has been called for re-testing. I think they could not mandate an age as it would be age discrimination. I think it is a good idea, and personally I would like to see it in NY, as much of a PITA it might be.
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| Posted 7/21/08 3:38 PM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by jellybean1420
To be honest, I am nervous about almost ALL drivers these days. Car accidents dont seem to discriminate, although yes, teenage or young drivers and elderly drivers (over 80) scare me most. At the same time, I see plenty of drivers my age or in their 30's, 40's or 50's that need to have their license taken away IMO.
ITA with this.
my grandparents are 78 and 82. are they the best drivers in the world? no. my grandfather is (IMO) overly cautious. but that's better than being oblivious or slow to react, and they don't get into accidents. my mom is nervous about them driving, but they haven't given us a reason to talk to them about it... and they drive as little as possible b/c they live in the city.
actually, my grandfather has even said that he would support a law that mandated a new road test every year past a certain age.
but the truth is, i am WAY more concerned about the other a$$holes i see on the road these days, and the majority of them look to be in their 30s, 40s and 50s. do i get annoyed at slow-moving older drivers? sure. i've been cut off by them more times than i can count because they didn't "see" me. but they aren't the ones who weave in and out of traffic at high rates of speed and make me never want to drive on the southern state ever again!
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| Posted 7/21/08 3:43 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
I am not really scared of elderly drivers...for the most part they go the speed limit are attentive at the wheel and take driving seriously. If they didn't, insurance rates for elderly drivers would be expensive and I know that my parents' (64 and 73) insurance is no more than 2/3 of my insurance.
I am more scared of the people who don't use hands free devices, drivers who text (I know if I just scroll for a number, it scares the crap out of me that I took my eyes off the road and could have easily taken a walker out - having a conversation does so much more) and mostly of drunk drivers.
I do think what some people on this thread are saying is a form of ageism.
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:11 PM |
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ILJ619
LIF Adult
Member since 6/06 1985 total posts
Name:
Irene
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
my FIL is 80 years old and just drove me to the airport the other day. he is good driver just drives slower than me otherwise no complaints. ps he looks and acts like he's 55.
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:26 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by Erica
I do think what some people on this thread are saying is a form of ageism.
Ageism?? I'm sorry but I strongly disagree. Let's call a spade a spade here - as people age, there is no dispute that their vision, hearing and reflexes deteriorate. Yes, this happens at different rates, but generally speaking a 80 year old woman does not have the same vision, hearing or reflexes as compared to a 20, 30 even 50 year old woman.
This is an undeniable fact of life, not ageism. And, when combined with the fact that the operation of a vehicle is a deadly weapon if operated improperly, I am all for giving special consideration to elderly drivers.
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:29 PM |
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HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Try driving in FL with them. 
Half of them can not see over the steering wheel. Some think that stop signs are optional. And to make stop signs stand out the city has added solar panels to them so the trim flashes red.
Their rreflexes are not as quick and sometimes on the highway their may be sudden lane changes especially if a tractor trailer tire treds are on the highway. Not good. Speed limit's are their for a reason yet they continue to drive in the left lane - the fast lane at 55. (speed limit is 75). Parking lots are the worst.
The scariest moment for me was I was in the right lane at the red light. An elderly couple came out of the hospital parking lot and made a left turn. Well they didnt go far enough and made the left turn into the on-coming traffic lane. Thank goodness the street is a quiet street so no cars were coming towards them. They pull up to the light that is red and made a left turn.
When you reach a certain age, you should be required to take a road test.
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:35 PM |
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curliegirl
He's here!!!!
Member since 3/06 10128 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
I do think what some people on this thread are saying is a form of ageism.
My 97 year old grandmother has macular degeneration, she can't see much of anything, her sister is 98 and just had hip replacement.......do you want to share the road with them?
As Beth said, it's as plain as the nose on our faces, as we age, there are some things we shuld just not be doing, and unfortunately, there comes a time when driing just isn't the best idea.....
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:35 PM |
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anonttcer
BOOOO for fall!
Member since 7/06 10082 total posts
Name:
Meaning a NON ttcer!
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by Bxgell2
Posted by Erica
I do think what some people on this thread are saying is a form of ageism.
Ageism?? I'm sorry but I strongly disagree. Let's call a spade a spade here - as people age, there is no dispute that their vision, hearing and reflexes deteriorate. Yes, this happens at different rates, but generally speaking a 80 year old woman does not have the same vision, hearing or reflexes as compared to a 20, 30 even 50 year old woman.
This is an undeniable fact of life, not ageism. And, when combined with the fact that the operation of a vehicle is a deadly weapon if operated improperly, I am all for giving special consideration to elderly drivers.
I agree- There are countless stories of elderly people driving the WRONG WAY on the highway, driving into people's garages (as happened to a poster on here recently I recall), and doing all sorts of other crazy things.
I liken that to drunk driving. It is JUST as dangerous.
Just because you aren't under the influence of drugs or alcohol does not make you fit to drive.
If your reflexes are bad you are JUST as deadly as a drunken driver IMO.
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:38 PM |
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BunnyWife
Insert Witty Comment Here
Member since 5/07 8274 total posts
Name:
BunnyWife
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
I think it really depends on the person. My grandpa drove really well until the day he died. No accidents or anything.
My Nana on the other hand should've never have been givin a license. Even as a young woman my mom said she was a hideous driver.
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| Posted 7/21/08 4:40 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
i think re-testing (driving tests) starting at the age of 70 would be a great idea -- maybe something like every three-five years or so?? we took the keys away from my grandfather - we felt bad but he was a real danger on the road. we moved him into a 55+ community so he can take the shuttle they have to all the major places he needs to go.
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| Posted 7/21/08 5:42 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Our hearing is best at age 10 and eyesight in our 20's (although I have had glasses since 10)...i'm not sure that we can really use age to judge mental and physical capacity. Having additional tests, just b/c you reach a certain age, is ageism. I guess the way to get around it is random retests, as someone else mentioned.
I don't hear daily stories of elderly accidents...I do of teenagers though. Insurance is proof. If elderly drivers were a hazzard, their insurance would be through the roof (like younger drivers), yet it is lower than most of ours.
and, yes, I would rather share the road with an experienced, elderly driver, doing the speed limit than a inexperience teenager, who is more likely to speed, text/talk on the phone and not pay attention while driving or some of the aggressive drivers out there. It's really the only good thing about the high gas prices - teens can't afford as much to cruise.
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| Posted 7/21/08 5:44 PM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
not at all
drunk drivers are WAY scarier
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| Posted 7/21/08 5:54 PM |
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LightUpOurLife
Totally in love
Member since 8/06 12785 total posts
Name:
Bonnie-Jean
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
IMO I agree with the OP that as drivers get older, they get scarier.
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| Posted 7/21/08 6:08 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
My parents passed away at the age that most LIFer's grandparents are right now with driver's licenses IN TACT with the legal right to drive yet my father had the beginning to middle stages of Alzheimers not being abe to tell left from right and my mom had a broken back and limited range of motion due to a once broken back and arthritis. There was no way in hell she could ever turn her neck/back the way a good driver would need to in certain situations.
Had we not threatened Mom with the possible loss of her home and had her doctor NOT told her "Let me know when you are driving because I want my kids off the street" Then there is no doubt she would have gotten on the road and possibly struck someone. Call me selfish, but I didn't want it to be me.
If we are all so worried about ageism, then make a retesting requirement for everyone every 5-10 years or so for all people from the time they get their licenses. Again, I wouldn't mind taking the test myself. This way there would be no discrimination against anyone.
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| Posted 7/21/08 6:30 PM |
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nicrae
He's here!
Member since 12/06 9289 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
I think they should be required to take another road test when they reach a certain ago. My grandparents are in their 70's and I will not get into a car with them.
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| Posted 7/21/08 6:49 PM |
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mrsmck
Be a big girl!
Member since 5/05 4898 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by Erica
...for the most part they go the speed limit are attentive at the wheel and take driving seriously.
I'm sure they think they're taking their driving seriously, but I respectfully disagree with this. I've almost gotten into numerous accidents because drivers were going below the minimum speed limit (which is just as dangerous as driving over the speed limit). Between not using their signals when turning or changing lanes, not looking when changing lanes or backing out of a parking spot....these actions (or lack thereof) could cause serious accidents.
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| Posted 7/21/08 6:51 PM |
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KLSbear
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 1908 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Anyone getting nervous about the increasing number of elderly people still driving?
Posted by mrsmck
I'm sure they think they're taking their driving seriously, but I respectfully disagree with this. I've almost gotten into numerous accidents because drivers were going below the minimum speed limit (which is just as dangerous as driving over the speed limit). Between not using their signals when turning or changing lanes, not looking when changing lanes or backing out of a parking spot....these actions (or lack thereof) could cause serious accidents.
Not signaling intentions is in no way limited to the elderly - I see it all the time from drivers of every age but particularly the macho a-holes that drive around in the status cars and SUV's. And if you've almost gotten into numerous accidents because drivers were going below the minimum speed maybe it's your driving that's at fault. I can't say that I've almost been in "numerous accidents" for any reason over my entire driving lifetime. Perhaps you're driving faster than you can react or not paying attention to what's around you if a slower car is leading to an almost accident so often.
If you want to stop everyone in their 60's from driving you'd better plan on supporting lots of people forced into mandatory retirement way before they are ready because they can't get to work. 70's and 80's may be a problem for some, but my Dad in his mid 70's is one of the safest drivers I know. I'm not aware of any accident he or my mother have ever had their entire lives, not even a fender bender.
And as far as I can recall, the constant headlines and stories about the horrible accidents that happen too often around hear are not 60 year olds, it's 17 - 25 year olds and drunks. They scare me a lot more - I don't see the elderly zipping along the Southern State at 85 mph weaving in and out of lanes and traffic.
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| Posted 7/21/08 8:01 PM |
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