Older Population’s Driving Abilities
Taking the drivers test more than once in a lifetime
Older Population’s Driving Abilities
Growing up I was on the road a lot when my father came into my life. At first he was a stranger my mother was dating, but he and I had a connection a father and daughter would have. So he stayed, taking the spot of my real father. He happens to have family in Niagara Falls, New York. Every time we drive there, there are always older people in the fast lane going slow, or older drivers turning and forgetting about their turning signal. Many times my father had to hit the breaks. This actively demonstrates that if he wasn’t careful, he could’ve crashed and hurt more than himself. Many people get in car crashes from older people forgetting how to drive and their health might not be 100 percent which could affect their driving skills. People should have to take the drivers test more than once their whole lives.
Health shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially when the health issue is behind a wheel. “NHTSA estimates that the majority of people killed in traffic crashes involving older drivers are 65 and older. Nearly 70% of the deaths in 2019 were either the older driver or their passenger, also 65 years of age or older.” Driving is a real danger in this world and it takes a lot of responsibility. Older people can’t control their age, nor if their body functions properly. Older people can lose their memory and forget things easily. That’s why you shouldn’t take health lightly when they’re behind the wheel.
Laws change, and new rules are made. Not every person will know the new laws and rules. It is very common that after people pass the driving test, they don’t open the drivers ed book again. Laws and regulations change practically every day, therefore the older population might never check out the new driver’s ed book or read up on the new laws. Citizens should know how to drive correctly and know all of the laws and regulations they need to follow, older people are no exception.
Some people may actually believe that older people are no threat and shouldn’t have to take the drivers test more than once in a lifetime because they may believe it’s a waste of time. As people get older though, their bodies get more stiff and arthritis may occur. “Your eyesight can change as you get older. It might be harder to see people, things and movement outside your direct line of sight. It may take longer to read street or traffic signs or even recognize familiar places.”
To sum up everything that has been said, older people driving are a danger to tons of people, that includes themselves and possibly their family members. Therefore they should pass a law that makes citizens take the drivers test more than once in a life span.
