Senior Citizens Should Retake Their Drivers' Exam

First off, I want to say that I am not prejudiced against older adults. I respect those of the older generation, their wisdom and knowledge invaluable. Many senior citizens are in great shape and are able to drive until age 110. I say, good for them. However, some older adults are not in great shape. Yet they keep on driving. This is a danger to everyone on the road. It seems like once a year, I hear about an older adult driving into a store window, or speeding into a flea market at full speed. Sadly, many people have died because of people who should not be driving in the first place.

We don't let teenagers on the road until the pass a driver's exam. I think that senior citizens should have to take an exam too. Maybe every 5 years after the age of 60, just to make sure they meet certain standards for safety. If they pass, great! And if they don't, then other transportation options can be made available to them at a lower price. Perhaps with a public transportation system just for seniors.

The test itself could be a combination test which includes a medical exam, and driver exam sponsored by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The medical portion could be filled out by the driver's health care provider. After getting a statement of good health from their medical team, they take the test at a DMV, like every teenager does. The exam would make sure that they can see, have quick reflexes, and know how to use all of the car's features.

Some older adults have poorer eyesight than in their younger years. Most of them go to an eye doctor, but no one is making sure that their license is up-to-date on whether or not eyeglasses are required or not. In addition, even if they are wearing their correct prescription, it may not be good enough for safe driving.
Also, many older adults' bones are frail and weal. Their response time may be slower than younger adults'. If an older adult has weaker legs than they did a few years before, will they be able to slam on the brakes fast enough to stop themselves from running over a child? Also, with the changing technology of today, some older adults may not be familiar with their car's features. It could be a danger to everyone if a confused senior citizen does not turn on their headlights, or fails to use their windshield wipers.

Sadly, a disease that strikes many older adults is Alzheimer's Disease. Not all older adults get this disease. However, those that do have it could still drive. Often, they forget where they are going while behind the wheel. This is dangerous for themselves and others. Whether they are officially diagnosed with the disease or not, no one is taking away their driver's license. Often, it is up to the family members of those affected to make the decision to stop driving. However, what about those that do not have family to look out for them? Or that do have family, but who are not of sound judgment enough to make that decision for them? If only the Department of Motor Vehicles would have them retest, this would help to clarify for someone whether or not they are safe to drive or not.

In conclusion, government and state officials need to consider a driving exam for senior citizens. The older adult population will only grow bigger in the next 30 years, as baby boomers reach their golden years. Such laws may cause a stir, and alternate transportation plans may need to be in effect. However, it is crucial to the safety of everyone that all drivers are capable of safety and quick response time behind the wheel.