Why Elderly Drivers Are Dangerous

Ever get behind a car that's going like twenty miles below the speed limit? And when you actually get up the courage to pass the driver and you look in the window, who do you see? An "old person" crunched over the steering wheel not even noticing that you are passing. I love the elderly. I just think that they are not meant behind the wheel of a car. Maybe a re-evaluation test should be taken every so often once you reach a certain age. Or maybe their licenses should just be invalidated. The fact is that people's senses deteriorate with age. Reaction time is one of the most important senses for driving.

I've been involved in two wrecks, both with an "old people". Both times, the old people were at fault. Let's not take this the wrong way, I don't think old people are unintelligent or dumb. I just think that their senses deteriorate and it is not worth the risk of everyone else behind the wheel of a car. Along with young adults aged 16-20, the elderly (70+) are responsible for the most accidents. It is debatable which group is worse as, mile per mile the young adults (16-20) are more likely to get in an accident, but studies have shown that wrecks caused by the older people are more likely to be deadly.

The Argument Against Regulating Elderly Drivers

Some people would argue that the elderly are more cautious on the road and only drive out of necessity. Many say that before the elderly get more regulation, the young driver should get it because they are responsible for more accidents. But young people do drive a lot more so it is more likely for them to be in a wreck. Young people are going back and forth to school and work as old people do drive normally out of necessity. But when the elderly are actually on the road it is more likely for them to cause an accident. The fact of the matter is, their vision is inadequate. Many times they have inability to see and interpret objects that are a short distant in front of them causing them to have to drive slower. That also sometimes results in them making a left turn into oncoming traffic. The last person you want to be in a wreck with is a baby or an elderly person. So something needs to be done to protect others on the road as well as the elderly.

Causes of Elderly Wrecks

What are some of the causes of accidents caused by the elderly? As I have said, vision and reaction time are major reasons why they are involved in accidents. Another major reason is muscle pains. Stiffness and pain in the neck often result in the elderly driver not looking over the shoulder to look for traffic. Also arthritis can make it hard to grip the steering wheel, which is probably one of the most important abilities needed for driving. Plus joints stiffen, and movement of the leg and foot becomes very difficult and sometimes results in the driver pressing the accelerator instead of the break.

What I Think Should Be Done

I think that regulations for older drivers should be implemented. After a driver reaches 70, they should have to be re-examined each year they decide to continue driving. And after the age 85, they should not be allowed to drive. Good transportation should be provided for the elderly after the age 70 even at a small cost. And if you're an elderly person, it'd be wise for you to ride with family or friends when possible for your safety and the safety of others on the road. With age come wisdom, but also deteriorating senses.