Elder Drivers

Though there are perhaps many competent drivers over the age of 65, it is certainly in the best interest of the greater public to institute testing for these drivers. Currently, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for drivers between the ages of 65 and 74. Because of this rapidly increasing population, especially in Florida, an adoption of such testing procedure will prove crucial in the reversal of this trend. Most other states already have their own testing for elderly drivers in place and are seeing positive results from it.

Of the thirty-three states that do already have testing requirements in place, Florida has some of the most relaxed guidelines. We require that all drivers renew every six years with a clean record, or four years otherwise. When drivers reach 80, they must pass a vision test. Obviously, all of the faculties needed for competent driving are not going to be assessed in a simple vision test. Other states, such Arizona and Kansas, have full-course testing in place for drivers when they reach 65 and require renewal every four to six years. A continuous renewal process for folks as they reach a certain age point would objectively ensure that drivers with reduced capacity for safe driving will certainly protect both the general public and the drivers themselves.

The main idea of stricter guidelines on motor vehicle drivers’ tests is not to take away the freedom of the elderly. The main objective of the licensure procedure itself is to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road. Because of the objectivity of driver testing, the dynamics of the competency of an aging driver must be taken into account. Reflexes, hand-eye coordination, muscular dexterity, and peripheral vision are all faculties necessary to operate a vehicle safely that are not being evaluated by the single vision exam when you reach 80 years old. In a recent article by the Boston Globe, elderly drivers were asked how they felt about that testing to which they responded positively in favor. Though most were confident that they could pass with ease, they did concede that it would filter out the weaker drivers that were giving them a bad a reputation. It is all too common for anyone to think that they themselves are a fine driver because no one would necessarily want to admit that they are losing their ability to perform normal tasks competently. Of course, the main objective is not to take away the independence or freedom of the elderly but to protect the safety of everyone on the road.

"Renewals and restrictions, state-by-state - USATODAY.com." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. .
Schworm, Peter. "Elderly say they would ace mandatory driving tests - The Boston Globe." Boston.com. Web. 18 Feb. 2010. .