Old People Driving Draft Essay

Millions of people drive each day, some heading to work, some to vacation destinations, some to entertainment, and some just for fun. Within these millions, there are all types of drivers; aggressive, passive, new, experienced, and elderly to name a few. The elderly comprise of more than 40 million people age 65 and older in the United States and of those 40 million, 34 million are licensed drivers (NHTSA). Elderly driving has become an alarming subject throughout many communities in the United States as it concerns the safety and health of themselves as well as other drivers. One article shares, as 80-year-old Daniel was driving to the grocery store one day, he ran over a curb and hit a trash can. Luckily he was not hurt and his car suffered only minor scratches. Although unscathed, Daniel was emotionally distraught having almost hit a young woman waiting at the bus stop (Older Drivers). This story as well as many others has triggered a crucial debate about the rights and well-being of senior drivers. Most people believe these older drivers should have an age restriction determining when they should and should not be able drive. However, getting older does not mean people lose all capability to drive. In opposition, driving and health tests should be required at the age of 65 to prove they are capable of safe driving rather than revoking their licenses.

One reason elderly people should have to take a driving test every year is because there will be a decrease in car accidents, also because there will be less elder related car accidents. And the elders will be able to learn how to stop elder related car accidents. Also people will be able to stop elder related car accidents before they even occur. And fifty eight percent of car accidents are caused by accidents on the road, and elders taking a driving test every year will help that percentage. Family of elders want their family to stay safe and will encourage them to learn how to drive better. And families of elders can help by encouraging people to make a law saying elders should be required to take a driving test every year.

We have all had the experience of being stuck behind someone that is either driving too slow, swerving, or breaking way too early; then when we drive up next to them its 9 times out of 10 an elderly driver. I believe that at the age of 75, and older, maybe even a little younger, yearly driving, medical, and vision exams need to be done to renew their licenses. This process can reduce the number of accidents involving seniors, and even help to reduce road rage situations for other drivers on the road. Now I am not trying to say that all accidents are caused by seniors, because younger drivers are responsible for, and are involved in a greater number of serious road traffic crashes than seniors. (Carvel 2002) The point I am trying to make is

However, “frail” is a stereotype for the elderly and is a reoccurring term in both Yoffe’s editorial and in Arai’s research. This stereotype damages the driver’s confidence in their ability to drive and leads to more indecisiveness when driving, as explained by Mélanie Joanisse in “Overly Cautious and Dangerous: An Empirical Evidence of the Older Driver Stereotypes.” Using a simulator much like the one presented in the editorial “Hell’s Grannies,” researchers showed senior citizens clips and articles containing negative stereotypes towards elderly drivers. The researches then told the elderly subjects to drive, and the results are similar to the findings stated previously. The editorial shares scenarios of what could and has happened during the process of taking away someone’s license. One story Yoffe tells is of her fellow writer’s mom who is slowly losing her mental capability. When talking to her mother about the possibility of taking away her license, the mother said, “‘I’ve been driving since I was 16’. So the family backed off” (Slate). If she is becoming a risk to herself and others, then the family needs to take action; however, going against a loved one, especially an older one and is consider taboo in many non-western cultures. To not listen to elderly loved-ones invokes disrespect and ungratefulness to them which is

Summary: The central focus of Pollastek et al’s (2012) study was to determine why elderly drivers are more likely to be involved in vehicular accidents at intersections than younger experienced drivers. As a means of data collection Pollastek et al (2012) tested the scanning ability of elderly drivers at intersections through a series of different scenarios. Each scenario took place in a simulated environment, testing the scanning ability of elderly drivers where they were instructed to go through 1) a four-way intersection, 2) turn right at a T-intersection and 3) proceed through an intersection. Pollastek et al (2012) found that elderly drivers fail to properly scan for potential hazards while proceeding through intersections. Pollastek et al (2012) also found that by providing video feedback the participants in the training group performed similarly to younger experienced drivers.

Both the inexperienced drivers under age 21 and the elderly who are impaired should be limited to driving but only if there is imminent danger.

The ability to operate a vehicle affords them mobility in a state where alternate transportation is often not available” (Zarate, 2). The government could just make them retake the exam every year or every six months depending on past wrecks and medical issues. Missouri has not made this a law but there has been other attempts in other states that have been working great. “Today fifteen other states require accelerated license renewal for older drivers, but instead of renewals every four years they are renewed every two years or even annually” (Zarate, 2). “Illinois and New Hampshire are two states close to Missouri and they require a road test for applicants over age 75” (Zarate, 2). “Florida and Virginia may be farther, but they still require vision tests for drivers over 80” (Zarate, 2). The driving rates of wrecks would decrease considerably by providing a way of transportation for the elderly to still get around, but safer plus be able to maybe collect money off of it for the government. The sponsors of the legislation who want to do something about the high accident rates among senior drivers have instead called for a state transportation plan they call "The Uniform Senior Citizens Safe Driving Health Centers and Protection of Senior Citizen Pedestrians and Automobile Passengers Act” (Zarate, 2). This calls for the Transportation Department to come up with a good

Teens tend to be safer drivers then their middle-aged counter parts. The number of 15-20-year-old drivers in 2008 in single-vehicle crashes made up 14%, multi-vehicle was 10.4%, and 15-20year old drivers made up 11.9% of all fatal crashes; while the more middle aged 25-34year old drivers consisted of 20.9% for single vehicle crashes, 19% of all multi-vehicle crashes, and 19.8% of all fatal crashes, immensely higher stats then the teen drivers. This shows that teens are by far safer drivers then the middle aged, mature, adults.

In this week's edition of Harper's Weekly Review, the topic that interested me was the one covering the story of an elderly woman crashing into 14 cars. A woman, 75 years of age, crashed in 14 cars and caused about 25,000 euros($27,888.75) worth of damage. I thought this was interesting because for quite some time I've seen that many elderly drivers are sometimes a nuisance on the road or just cause accidents such as the one the article describes. Just recently, about a month ago, a cousin of mine was working front desk at a salon and an elderly woman in her late 70's crashes into the salon with my cousin just barely avoiding critical injury. I believe that there has to be a stricter rule or law that applied to the elderly regarding driving.

There has been a lot of talk about self driving cars, which could make driving lot safer, as well as making the cars stronger with new technology. Make newer cars have stronger seats thus that in the unfortunate event of an car accident the passengers and drivers are more protected. Being protected by more sturdy and strong seats can save people’s lives by the reason of the seat will protect them more. Mandatory annual driving tests for the elderly, or someone who has been caught disobeying the law, just to make sure that they are driving the right way. The elderly need to be tested more for the reason that people with old age generally comes more health, hearing, and seeing issues. Therefore to ensure that they do not hurt themselves or others while driving they should be made to take a driving test like the new drivers do. These are things to fix with the

In the United States, driving is often equated to freedom and independence. When a senior is faced with the prospect of losing their ability to drive, it can have dramatic emotional consequences. Since there is not a standard rate at which health deteriorates, there is no one age at which a senior's ability to safely drive is effected. What we do know, however, is that drivers over the age of 70 are more likely to be involved in fatal automobile accidents than drivers of other age groups.

“An eighty-six year old man killed ten people and injured more than seventy when he drove his Buick into a crowded farmers market in California. In Florida, an eighty-four year old woman drove her car through a window of a Sears and into a cash register and employee” (Murphy). Sadly enough, instances like these are becoming more and more prevalent and require immediate action. It is imperative that a more comprehensive approach be taken when deciding the competence of elderly drivers. Laws must be put into action to mandate and administer testing and re-examining of the skills and eligibility of this group. Equally important, we must consider those who will no longer be able to drive, and ensure their transportation and occupational needs

Many concerns have been expressed about the potential dangers elderly drivers present when operating a vehicle. Mental and physical capabilities begin to decline as a person ages. When their health deteriorates, the well being of other individuals on the road is at stake. Many elderly drivers should not drive due to their medical history and the fact that they might suffer from possible side effects from taking multiple prescription medicines. In addition, local organizations and neighbors can provide transportation for the elderly to keep them from endangering themselves and others. The threat senior citizens create when driving can be avoided if they are tested to ensure their competence as a driver.

Ageism is the discrimination against an individual or group due to age. While ageism is a real problem, many people tend to ignore it because it is so often practiced, people don’t even realize it is happening. The forms of ageism range from the very obvious to the more discrete, almost unrecognizable discrimination. While ageism is evident in all age groups, it tends to be more dominant among the elderly and teenagers or young adults.

Granny, I know you’ve never been in an accident, but Lord knows how many you’ve caused! Although I love my grandmother dearly, I must admit that a few of my grey hairs are courtesy of her driving. As the years passed, my grandmother’s driving progressively got worse. However, there is no test administered to the elderly which determines whether or not they are fit to drive. While my Granny was creating mayhem on the streets, I realized how much a drivers’ test for the elderly was needed. Elderly drivers impose possible threats on others, as well as themselves, and could also be paying excess money on unnecessary insurance.