why do we allow old people to drive?
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Covington WA, USA
Originally Posted by Sogno,Aug 29 2009, 08:09 AM
I believe ALL drivers should be re-assessed biannually. This would include a written test, and road test.
Really everyone should be required to take a car control driving school every 6-10 years or so, with the instructors authorized to fail them if they don't meet standards.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ventura, California, USA
The problem is that in the US there would be no other way for these people to get around. A lot of elderly live on their own so as not to burden their children or lose independence. I don't think their driving will be restricted.
I do however, believe that more electrical nannies are coming quickly and within 5-10 years there will be a good driver's assist system that will be able to assist these people to help keep them out of accidents.
The flip side to this technology will be big brother type problems. First there will be ways to restrict speed of cars that teens drive (this already exists) then next what will happen is the there will be a mandate that every car can not go more then like 90mph on any public roads and this will be governed by GPS. Eventually in the next 50 years we won't be driving at all.
I do however, believe that more electrical nannies are coming quickly and within 5-10 years there will be a good driver's assist system that will be able to assist these people to help keep them out of accidents.
The flip side to this technology will be big brother type problems. First there will be ways to restrict speed of cars that teens drive (this already exists) then next what will happen is the there will be a mandate that every car can not go more then like 90mph on any public roads and this will be governed by GPS. Eventually in the next 50 years we won't be driving at all.
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,108
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From: Moselle MS
Originally Posted by mikegarrison,Aug 29 2009, 10:40 AM
The problem is, US driving tests are stupid. You drive around the block, parallel park, back up, etc. How does that test whether you can merge onto a freeway or make an emergency stop or lane change?
Really everyone should be required to take a car control driving school every 6-10 years or so, with the instructors authorized to fail them if they don't meet standards.
Really everyone should be required to take a car control driving school every 6-10 years or so, with the instructors authorized to fail them if they don't meet standards.
paid. Its all they can do to get people tested and give them the basic driving test.
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Lewes, DE
We just lost a friend, her husband and 14 year old daughter. Their 8 year old daughter is in intenisve care. They were hit head on by a man around his mid thirties in a Mercedes who was driving inattentively. He said he was reaching down to pick up his drink and crossed over the center line into their path. My bet is that he was texting. He is in jail until a full investigation is done. We are attending the services on Monday. There are far more dangerous drivers out there talking or texting on cell phones than there are "dangerous" senior drivers. Testing after a certain age makes sense but more deaths and injuries can be spared by banning the use of all cell phones.
Former Moderator
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 59,195
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From: Ventura, California, USA
Originally Posted by S2KRAY,Aug 29 2009, 10:01 AM
We just lost a friend, her husband and 14 year old daughter. Their 8 year old daughter is in intenisve care. They were hit head on by a man around his mid thirties in a Mercedes who was driving inattentively. He said he was reaching down to pick up his drink and crossed over the center line into their path. My bet is that he was texting. He is in jail until a full investigation is done. We are attending the services on Monday. There are far more dangerous drivers out there talking or texting on cell phones than there are "dangerous" senior drivers. Testing after a certain age makes sense but more deaths and injuries can be spared by banning the use of all cell phones.
