Get off the Road Old Man!

We all know that the second you get your driver’s license the road to freedom opens up but what happens when your motor skills start to decrease? Many elders argue that they are not ready to give up their ability to drive and feel that it maintains their independence. There is no reason for seniors to feel attacked, eventually we all turn into elders and face the same problem. Is the feeling of independence worth it when it is causing fatal accidents? Individuals over the age of 65 are considered to be high-risk drivers and in most states, the only requirement is an eye exam.
The driving test should be given to all individuals at the age of 65 as well as every few years following. “Right now 32 states have no additional requirements for seniors renewing their licenses, even though drivers 75 and older have higher rates of fatal accidents than any other group except teenagers.” (CBS, 2001) Driving is a huge responsibility and PRIVLEDGE that requires safety so let us think about this, do you really want your love ones driving on the same roads as those who do not have as much control or the capacity to drive? “While fatality rates are dropping in all other age groups including teens, older-driver deaths are on the rise.” (CBS, 2001) By not acting on this problem, we are just waiting for accidents to happen. Eventually something has to be done. There are many other forms of transportation that can be afforded to the elderly at a much cheaper cost than the lives of others. Let's be smart and reasonable senior citizens and not get in the car if you are incapable of driving safely. And perhaps more importantly, let's be smart politicians. It is fairly simple to set regulations, rules and guidelines for driving safety. Remember, YOU marked it as a privledge not a freedom.