Tests for Older Drivers - Research Paper Example

? Due Driving and the Elderly Considering the Necessity of Yearly Driver’s Testing at Age 70 and Beyond Introduction Most people will tell you that the adage about “growing old gracefully” and improving with age is a bit of a myth. For a lot of people aging is an unpleasant experience. Sooner or later, one must face the reality that your insides start working less efficiently, or outside gets wrinkly and stiff, and eventually, for many, their memories get a muddled and they may succumb to any number of age related mental and physical conditions. For many, that realization is quite difficult to accept and admit. In the case of driving motor vehicles this can sometimes create an issue. Not everyone ages the same rate and not every aging driver is a potential menace on the road, because of age; however, at the same time, the number of car accidents involving elderly drivers, that had nothing to do with alcohol, drugs, or speeding, is sky-rocketing and the only variable is that they were in fact elderly. (Davis, and DeBarros 1) This alludes to the fact that there does become a point when aging drivers are no longer capable of operating a motor vehicle with the same optimum efficiency that they once did. That deficit is not going to improve with age. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to require drivers over a certain age, ideally 70, to commit to yearly driver’s tests to maintain their licenses. Background Age does not necessarily equal poor driving skills. Human beings age differently, some individuals driving competence may be impaired before the age of 70, while others may be well capable of driving well into their 80s. Also, not every instance of accidents is due to an aging driver’s mental illness. Many of the accidents related to the elderly have to do with much more common concerns, like deteriorating vision and decreased response times to physical limitations. That said, not every grey-haired driver that you pass on the road is an accident waiting to happen. Statistically elderly drivers drive less often and shorter distances than younger drivers, and yet can have accident ratio that makes them even more of a threat than teenage drivers. In fact, the federal statistics show that drivers 85 and older are involved in traffic accidents that result in fatalities an average of three per day.(Davis, and DeBarros 1) Recently instances of elderly drivers involved in accidents has been highlighted in the news and it sparks some serious social and public issues. A feasible and ethical solution must be reached as the number of driving Americans 65 and older will increase to an estimated 69 million by the year 2030.(Copeland 1) The suggestion to require yearly testing of drivers over a certain age has been met with support and criticism. While many see the need for such measures, others are less impressed with the idea and equate it to a form of age discrimination. Finding the best possible solution is becoming quite necessary and important. Discussion As we stated, because all individuals do not age in the same way at the same rate an arbitrary regulation that applies to every driver that would require an automatic license suspension at a certain age would be genuinely unethical. Sometimes accidents happen. Just because one of the driver’s is elderly, the blame cannot not be placed on him, simply, because of his age. Elderly drivers are seldom speeding, drive at night, or take the risks in driving in bad weather.("FoxNews.com: Associated Press" 1) They, also, again are unlikely to be involved in accidents caused by their taking of illegal drugs or alcohol. That said, it is the impairments that come with age that the senior may not be aware of that could be making them a risk and they are, often, not aware of it. The aging population faces many natural psychological issues as they grow older. As they potentially lose their mobility, they may face internal health issues and are less able to do things as easily on their own as they once did. With that, they cling more tightly to what self reliance that they have. Driving is an immense source of freedom. Giving that up and becoming dependent upon family members good graces for transportation or unreliable, and, sometimes, unsafe public transportation can be devastating for some elderly citizens in this country. “Driving gives them a huge sense of independence and autonomy.”(Cafferty) That said, finding those ethical solutions that allow the aging to maintain their sense of mobility and freedom, as well as, be certain that these drivers are not a danger to themselves or others, has culminated in many states accepting and implementing regular testing of the elderly. The details of how those rules will work, currently, vary from state. The average age for such regular mandatory testing to begin is 65-70. The nature of the test may vary as well. Some feel that he elderly should be administered the full driving test process every time, including vision, written, and behind the wheel. While others feel that it is the behind the wheel competency and adequate vision are the truly relevant variables. However, regardless of how they may vary the laws are beginning to be embraced. The most important element is that seniors must renew their licenses in person, never in the mail. That way their physical demeanor can be assessed and monitored for negative deficits and failings that may develop over time.("Insurance Institute of Highway Safety: Highway Loss Data Institute") Regardless of the regular testing, individuals can monitor their own loved ones to see if there is any need for concern. As yet, there is no, specific, legal age when a driver must surrender their driving privileges and because no single standard may ever be possible to determine with an absolute, then determining them through individual yearly testing does appear to be the most ethical and logical. (Copeland 1) Conclusion Ultimately, we all have to the face the fact that eventually it will not be safe for us to be the one behind the wheel. There is no one who is an exception to that. However, it would be better to find out that you should no longer be driving because a DMV representative, perhaps your doctor, or loved one points it out to you, rather than when you are standing at the scene of an accident that may be your fault, because of some small failing on your part related to your age. That said, in the end supporting the regular testing, ideally on a yearly basis beginning at age 70, no later, is far more accurate to determine individual driving capabilities and meets the ethical needs of the elderly and allow for the monitoring for potential dangers as certain drivers become less capable. In the end a vehicle is a dangerous piece of machinery that can be lethal, the safety of the public and of the elderly can best met by yearly testing and the requirement will likely show immense overall success in reducing a great many unnecessary accidents. Works Cited Cafferty, Jack. "Tighten rules for senior citizens who drive?." Cafferty File. CNN, 18 2011. Web. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. . Copeland, Larry. "States seek tests for older drivers." USA Today. 6 2009: 1. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. . Davis, Robert, and Anthony DeBarros. " Older, dangerous drivers a growing problem." USA Today. 2 2012: 1. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. . "How states are dealing with older drivers." FoxNews.com: Associated Press. 17 2012: 1. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. . Institute of Highway Safety: Highway Loss Data Institute. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2012. . Read More