At what age to stop driving?

[hereyago]

Ok, I have always thought the DMV should retest everyone no matter what age, like a surprise driving test.

Yesterday, a 77 year old man hit my car with my DD and her friend, they were in the back seat and he hit where DD's friend was. Luckily, none of us were hurt.

The man went through a red light, now you can turn right on red, but when the coast is clear. as I was passing, he just bammed me. there was no hitting breaks he drove smack into me.

He looked younger then that, but the cops had us fill out information and he is 77.

So what age do you think people should stop driving or made to stop driving?

 

[monkeyboy]

40

 

[Dismagic1]

Ok, I have always thought the DMV should retest everyone no matter what age, like a surprise driving test.

Yesterday, a 77 year old man hit my car with my DD and her friend, they were in the back seat and he hit where DD's friend was. Luckily, none of us were hurt.

The man went through a red light, now you can turn right on red, but when the coast is clear. as I was passing, he just bammed me. there was no hitting breaks he drove smack into me.

He looked younger then that, but the cops had us fill out information and he is 77.

So what age do you think people should stop driving or made to stop driving?

I don't think there should be a mandatory age to stop driving. I think it depends on the specific person. Some should stop at 65 and some can keep going for much longer. Once someone hits 65, they should have to go in and actually go through a real driving exam with an instructor just to make sure they are capable. The eyesight check isn't enough, it has more to do with hand eye coordination and ability to handle all the live action on the road.

 

[hereyago]

I mean if someone of older age has accident, it goes to the DMV as well as insurance. Why not have the DMV and insurance company go" Hey, since this accident, come in for a driving test and then go from there.

My DM now 76, stopped driving almost 15yers ago of her own free will, no medical problem. She just couldnt handle the traffic growng. she now has Parkinson's with beginning dementia, so she can't drive anymore.

 

[Ohiodislover]

Glad everyone is OK.

Yesterday I was grocery shopping, and saw a man who literally had to lean against the cart to keep from falling over. He did not have the strength to tear off a few bananas from the larger bunch, and asked an employee to help him. Imagine my shock as I was leaving and watching him get into the drivers seat of his really large long vehicle.

I don't think there should be a certain age, but I do believe at some point your renewal of a license should include more than a vision test.

 

[Dismagic1]

Glad everyone is OK.

Yesterday I was grocery shopping, and saw a man who literally had to lean against the cart to keep from falling over. He did not have the strength to tear off a few bananas from the larger bunch, and asked an employee to help him. Imagine my shock as I was leaving and watching him get into the drivers seat of his really large long vehicle.

I don't think there should be a certain age, but I do believe at some point your renewal of a license should include more than a vision test.

But what if that old man has nobody in his life to get groceries for him? What's the solution to that?

 

[Pakey]

My 78 year old father still drives all of the time, has never had an accident and I feel safer riding with him than with my own husband.

My 29 year old son has had 5 car accidents. I would have to be medicated and then forced into a vehicle with him.

 

[Ohiodislover]

But what if that old man has nobody in his life to get groceries for him? What's the solution to that?

Oh, I agree--very sad that he didn't have anybody, or perhaps won't accept the help that is offered.

I am a nurse in a SNF (the step between hosp, and home) You would be amazed at the number of people who return home unsafely. They are competent and have a right to make a poor decision. They refuse assisted livings, and often refuse home health who could help them with these issues. The grocery the man was at does offer home delivery. There is an added cost involved, but it is his choice to keep driving and put others at risk instead of incurring that expense.

 

[minkydog]

I don't know what the answer is, but DHs grandma was a holy terror on the roads. She drove a big old Cadillac and after she has 6-7(!) wrecks her kid stepped in and took the keys. The state of Florida did absolutely nothing!

 

[Ohiodislover]

I don't know what the answer is, but DHs grandma was a holy terror on the roads. She drove a big old Cadillac and after she has 6-7(!) wrecks her kid stepped in and took the keys. The state of Florida did absolutely nothing!

I'm not laughing at your families situation, but I did chuckle a bit. My Gma was the same way. We took the keys several times. The first time she had someone come out and make a new set. She then made what we believe must have been 10-12 copies of the key. We finally had to come in the middle of the night and steal the car while she slept. We are thankful that she didn't hurt herself or anyone else. We just knew it was time.

 

[minkydog]

I'm not laughing at your families situation, but I did chuckle a bit. My Gma was the same way. We took the keys several times. The first time she had someone come out and make a new set. She then made what we believe must have been 10-12 copies of the key. We finally had to come in the middle of the night and steal the car while she slept. We are thankful that she didn't hurt herself or anyone else. We just knew it was time.

Yeah, this day is coming with my mom, too. She's 75 and still drives all over. But it's starting to be scary to ride with her. She hasn't had a wreck yet, but it's only a matter of time. She has said before that she will never willingly give up her keys--thats her independance.

 

[PigletsPal2]

I haven't relinquished my keys, but I don't drive unless it's absolutely necessary. My reflexes and lower body strength aren't what they used to be, and I'm afraid I couldn't get my foot from the gas to the brake in time to stop safely. I know I could use my left foot to brake, but the reflexes... Besides, I LOVE being Miss Daisy in the front seat (and I don't "backseat drive"!).

Queen Colleen

 

[PigletsPal2]

BTW, I forgot to post my age - I'm 63.

Queen Colleen

 

[ZuZugal]

In Illinois:

All persons age 75 or older must take a driving test at each renewal. Drivers age 81-86 must have their licenses renewed every two years, while persons age 87 and older must renew annually.

I think the answer to your question varies by state laws. My dad is eighty-five, and i don't necessarily like to ride with him, but he has not been in an accident or received a traffic ticket for probably 30 years. He does not drive at night and he does not drive if he is not familiar with the roads. I only wish many more "older" Americans made the same choices.

 

[Ohiodislover]

In Illinois:

All persons age 75 or older must take a driving test at each renewal. Drivers age 81-86 must have their licenses renewed every two years, while persons age 87 and older must renew annually.

Now that makes sense, IMO. Just curious- Do you know what led to the testing requirements? Often it seems like those type of laws come from a tragic event.

 

[Magpie]

But what if that old man has nobody in his life to get groceries for him? What's the solution to that?

He gets them delivered, so he doesn't end up killing someone.

I have fairly strong feelings on this issue as an elderly member of my church killed a woman, who was just standing at a bus stop, minding her own business. The elderly woman apparently hit the gas instead of the brake, panicked and accelerated right into the bus stop.

She was never charged with anything - old people generally aren't. All that happened was she voluntarily gave up her license. Frankly, I'm sorry she didn't give it up earlier, especially considering that she was living in our church's assisted care residence because she was no longer able to look after herself in her own home. You'd think that would be a clue that maybe she wasn't safe to drive anymore, either.

FWIW - I don't drive. I never have, because I have very bad eyes. I *could* have got my license when I was younger, but after three different driving courses I took a good hard look at myself and decided I wasn't going to run the risk of hurting someone. So even though I finally passed the last one, I never took the road test.

I did the happy dance when my doctor told me last year that my eyes have finally deteriorated to the point where driving is no longer an option. It means I can finally stop having to explain why I don't drive to people who don't understand. All I have to do is say, "My doctor doesn't think it's a good idea!"

Driving is a privilege, not a right. Either you do it well, or you don't do it at all. No matter what age you are!

 

[Micca]

The minute I can afford a chauffer, I'll stop.

 

[ilovejack02]

My father is 84, he is smart as a whip, still travels all over the world with my Mom, fairly healthy. Vision still good.

Since he was about 78 , I think he has been a danger on the road. Slow to react , but not a fast driver thank goodness. My DH and I quit riding with him about this time.

My Mom is only 67, no need to be concerned about her. She does great, just wont go on long road trips alone.
She does most of the driving these days for them ,but I really wish she would do it all.

Dad is shaky these days and has a hard time with his legs. Even the few miles to church freaks me out when she tells me he is going to Bible study or meeting .

It would kill him to have to stop driving but I really wish he would, I have brought it up a few times, along with he needs to get someone to mow the grass.

I guess one day I am just going to have to put my foot down, which I'm not sure how I will do, or If I can even do it.

They have a trip coming up in less than a month, driving to Ohio and Tennessee . Mom will drive alot, but I know Dad will be behind the wheel some. UGHHHH I don't know how to handle it. Plan on bringing it up soon.

 

[ilovejack02]

The minute I can afford a chauffer, I'll stop.

Hmmm Im only 37 and I think that is a great idea LOL. Maybe I need to win the lottery .

 

[disney1990]

DH is 65 and his driving record is great -- no tickets and no accidents. Personally, if it were up to me, the minimum driving age would be raised. I don't believe those under 18 should be driving. I did not let either one of my daughters have a license before they turned 18.