Car drives into bank in JC by the college (Johnson City: insurance, safety)

[mbmouse]

My son called hubby this afternoon and said as he was driving to Kroger by ETSU, there was a huge commotion at the First TN Bank across the street there. Said it looked like a car drove right into the banks front doors. Lots of flashing lights and such when he was driving by. I have looked at all the local news stations, radio stations web sites and such, can't find a thing. Anyone see or know what happened???

[jabogitlu]

JohnsonCityPress.com - Local News - Johnson City, TN

Late update I guess. Got it on my twitter feed.

[mbmouse]

Thanks Jabogitlu,
That is sad, poor woman hit the accelerator instead of the break. I am glad it wasn't something malicious or on purpose. I also hope that they take this ladies license away. No one was hurt, but still, she is 74 and obviously has some driving problems. This brings up a good question, why don't they require driving tests every year for people over the age of 70? My folks are both over 70, Mom doesn't like to drive anymore and Dad does fine,but I would still like to see them have to take a test every year. There are so many well over 75, 80 year olds driving who should not be, for the safety of others and themselves.

[jchometeam]

I have always said the same thing MB, but then everyone responds "well thats the only way they may have to get around". Im sorry, but If you cant get around safely you should find some other way.

[ljay42]

Originally Posted by mbmouse

This brings up a good question, why don't they require driving tests every year for people over the age of 70....

...and under the age of 25.

[jabogitlu]

? People under 25 are perfectly capable. We hear better, respond better, think faster than you guys.

[DiderotsGhost]

How senile do you have to be to drive a small vehicle all the way over the large stone rectangular block in front of the handicap space?

I mean ... have you ever bumped into a curb? You can feel it even if you're moving 3 mph. To somehow manage to drive all the way over that block while attempting to go in reverse ... that takes some major loss of cognitive abilities right there. I definitely agree that after a certain age, drivers should be re-tested more frequently.

[ljay42]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

? People under 25 are perfectly capable. We hear better, respond better, think faster than you guys.

None of that means "you guys" possess the skill set, experience, and maturity of a good driver. I think the insurance companies across the country would agree with me on this one Jab

When I was in drivers ed, we spent 6 months learning to drive: In a simulator, then in a parking lot learning to drive both manual and automatic transmissions, and then on the road. Today's drivers ed spends more time teaching consequences and repercussions of bad driving then it does teaching good driving skills. My daughter is 22 and my son is 19. I was amazed at the lack of training they provided these kids so I spent months (as I would have anyway) teaching them what drivers ed no longer does....starting in a parking lot at 6 am in the morning, learning the skill sets and habits of a good driver.



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City Data quote of the day: If we all obeyed every single traffic law, traffic would be at a standstill - Jabogitlu

[jchometeam]

I agree with this point also. Young people are not prepared to drive when they start, and should be tested better also (many never have to take a drivers test). But that doesnt take from the point that elderly people should also be tested yearly. There comes a point to which we dont have the reaction time, etc. that is needed to drive safely. At that point, we should quit driving

[DiderotsGhost]

Originally Posted by jchometeam

I agree with this point also. Young people are not prepared to drive when they start, and should be tested better also (many never have to take a drivers test). But that doesnt take from the point that elderly people should also be tested yearly. There comes a point to which we dont have the reaction time, etc. that is needed to drive safely. At that point, we should quit driving

The problems with young drivers probably can't be remedied via testing. You can cram all the traffic info that you'd like down their throats. It won't change the fact the young drivers tend to be less mature, less experienced, and more prone to aggressive driving.

The only thing I think might improve that is requiring longer learners' permit times. Also, expanding public transit and building more bike lanes and making teenagers use those options rather than driving