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I always remmeber that insurance compnaies would not insure under 25 drivers unless made to by state laws. The stats prove they are the most dangeropus drivers on the roadway.
I'm glad too. Some of you folks are cracking me up.
On a more serious note, I don't feel it's an old verses young, just really another issue that needs to be addressed to prevent more disasterous accidents. We know there's a large group of people that in general need their licenses pulled, but aging for many adds a new level of problems for for many. I remember working near a senior complex in NJ which was considered the accident zone of that city. There's no denying as we age, for many, our reflexes, vision and other functions slow down, change. Those super seniors are the exceptions, not the norms. Maybe some of the boomers may proove different, doubtful the way so many of us have over indulged.
I too of course have younger friends that I won't ride with more than a few miles because they are such bad drivers. Usually by the time I get out of their cars, I'm hyperventilating. And yes I chastise them. Mostly in the car they are always repeating I'm sorry, or I see you braking. I'm yelling don't watch me, keep your eyes on the road.
On a more serious note, I don't feel it's an old verses young, just really another issue that needs to be addressed to prevent more disasterous accidents.
It's not and old vs young. It's old AND young.
Each has their own reasons/causes for being hazardous and not every aspect of those reasons has to apply to every teen or every senior for the overall to be a valid critique. More than enough evidence exists that *as a group* teens and seniors are neck and neck in the statistics.
Annual vision testing and on the road re-testing periodically (and after incidents!) are a reasonable step.
Each has their own reasons/causes for being hazardous and not every aspect of those reasons has to apply to every teen or every senior for the overall to be a valid critique. More than enough evidence exists that *as a group* teens and seniors are neck and neck in the statistics.
Annual vision testing and on the road re-testing periodically (and after incidents!) are a reasonable step.
Isn't that what I said, only for this thread, we're addressing seniors.
In the OP, point #3 was "other thoughts?" Well, here's my thought: Quite apart from any discussion about whether old people are dangerous or not, and if so, at what age, they sure as hell are irritating when they drive so slowly and hesitantly. Blessed be those who come to the decision on their own that it's time for them to stop driving. My mother drove a little beyond the point that she should have, but just when my sister and I were investigating ways to force her to stop, she decided to stop on her own. I'm glad she didn't maim or kill a child (or anyone else, of course) before deciding to quit.
Yeah, I much prefer those who drive 50 on side streets and 90 on the freeway.
Each has their own reasons/causes for being hazardous and not every aspect of those reasons has to apply to every teen or every senior for the overall to be a valid critique. More than enough evidence exists that *as a group* teens and seniors are neck and neck in the statistics.
Annual vision testing and on the road re-testing periodically (and after incidents!) are a reasonable step.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TRosa
Isn't that what I said, only for this thread, we're addressing seniors.
Here's a take on this you probably haven't considered:
There will come a day when cars will drive themselves. I doubt seriously that day will come by 2020. However, by 2030, I think its quite likely and I expect it to happen gradually. Automakers will equip new cars with a device that will enable the driver to simply program a destination into a computer and the vehicle.
This will occur because:
1. The technology to do it, video cameras, mapquest, and computers that will fit in vehicles is here already.
2. If people will allow computers to do their driving for them, the accident rate will be greatly reduced and insurance costs minimized.
3. The insurance industry will "lead the charge" for this technology.
As far as today goes, I think elderly drivers are something of a problem, but younger drivers statistically are the biggest problem of all. Its probably more a function of miles driven, alcohol and drug use, and the times they are on the road than a function of driving skills.
Before Dad died, he worked with AARP in the safe driving program. He left believing elderly drivers ought to be subject to mandatory re-testing for a license every 2 or 3 years.
Maybe drivers of all ages should take a driving test every 5 yrs or so, even young people develope bad driving habits, eating, drinking, texting, changing CD'S all distracting.
Maybe drivers of all ages should take a driving test every 5 yrs or so, even young people develope bad driving habits, eating, drinking, texting, changing CD'S all distracting.
Maybe drivers of all ages should take a driving test every 5 yrs or so, even young people develope bad driving habits, eating, drinking, texting, changing CD'S all distracting.
But....would they do any of those things while taking a driving test?
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