How Old is "Too Old" to Be Driving?

Has there ever been a time where a car was going entirely too slow in front of you on the freeway? What about a time where you were behind someone at a stop sign and when it's safe for them to take the right of way, they continuously wait until there are absolutely no cars coming? I'm sure everyone has been in this sort of scenario a time or two before. And if you have, you know that that person in front you on that freeway, or at that stop sign, was an elderly person.

Believe me America, I have absolutely nothing against the elderly. I have grandparents, and know that there have been times when I was in the car with them as a passenger, and I wanted to lean over and mash their foot on the gas for them. I'm being completely and totally unbiased on this topic! They say that the older you get, the worse your vision gets. Well, I believe that the older you get, your perception gets more sensitive too, i.e. speed. My grandfather thinks that 50 mph on the freeway is too fast. A 15 minute drvie typically takes him 30 to 45 minutes, and that's if he's in a rush!

I do not think that elderly people should not be able to drive, so please don't misunderstand me when I say this. I do, however, feel like a driving test should be required for senior citizens who wish to continue driving themselves around. I do not see this a a hinderance! I do believe this will help minimize the number of automobile accidents on roadways and highways, and will protect our elders from being taken advantage of . Younger people have this need for speed that older adults do not have a need for. In instances like this, an elderly person is hit from behind, or side swipped from someone trying to get around them.

I've talked to my grandparents about their driving habits and they believe that "Slower is Safer". Is this true, America? In my opinion, in residential areas where there is jogging, walking, bike routes, or children at play, I believe that 20 to 30 mph is safe, as posted on the speed limit signs. However, if the state believe that 65 mph is the maxinum, with a minimum of 45 mph, is a safe enough speed for a person to drive on the freeway or highway, then I think we should ALL abide by that law.

This examination that senior citizens should be required to take should consist of a eye exam, a hearing exam, and in some cases, a psychological screening (for those individuals who have a past history of road rage). We need to know if the individauls vision is still in a good enough state for safe driving,especailly at night time. We need to know if the individual can hear things such as horns and/or emergency sirens. Lastly, we need to know if the individaul suffers from any psychological disorders that might affect their driving skills, or reactions to any driving experiences.

But that's it, America. A simple test could fix a million problems, and decrease the number of car accidents involving elderly individuals.