New York State Dissers--Need some help!

[disneyfanatic60]

I am hoping some of the NY dissers could help out a young family by signing a petition. A very close friend of mine lost her nephew Michael age 29 in an accident this past summer. He left behind two very small children, a son almost 3 and a daughter who was just a few months old as well as his wife of just under a year. He was the son of the local police chief. He was driving his motorcycle on the way to a family dinner this past summer when an elderly man age 79 turned left with his minivan right into Mike's path. Mike hit the brakes and was thrown from the bike sliding down the shoulder of the road. Unfortunately, the elderly driver hit Mike's empty bike and sent it airborne where it landed on top of Mike. After two days in ICU, Mike passed. It was a devasting loss to his family.

His wife and family have started a petition they would like to send to NYS to make retesting of older people mandatory (and I know there are many other drivers out there that should fall into this same category that are much younger). They need to collect 10,000 NYS Resident signatures. Only NYS residents can sign this petition.

If anyone has some spare time and would like to help, here is the link. I know his family would very much appreciate it. Maybe some good can come out of such a tragedy. Thank you in advance from Michael's family.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/theretestingofelderlydriversinnys/

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I signed. Hope it does some good!

Though even if it passes, it does not guarantee anything, sadly!

I went round and round with my Grandmother about her eyesight and driving. She eventually agreed to a retest - or went to eye doctor for a test - don't remember the details. She sweet talked/sob storied her eye doctor and she was passed on his word!!! She never should have been on the road!


My condolences on the loss of a friend.

 

[bellebud]

I signed...

My friend was in work (she's a nurse), and an elderly patient totaled my friends car IN THE PARKING LOT.

The elderly woman left her appt, got in her car, turned it on, slammed on the gas, drove up and over the curbing/landscaping, knocked over a sign and totaled my friends car.

Thank goodness no one was hurt!

There's no doubt that woman shouldn't be driving anymore.

 

[Manhattan Princess]

I signed! This hits home because we are currently in a situation where I don't think my grandparents should be driving, particularly at night, and I really have no legal means to stop them. A mandatory retesting would be a Godsend! I think people need to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right, and I fully encourage all of the possible safeguards put in that can help save lives.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I struggle with this. Statistically there are less accidents caused by the elderly then there are those under 21, and yet we don't test under 21 year olds regularly outside their initial driving test.

I feel for you, and I am truly sorry, but in the end it is an unfortunate accident and I personally don't think we should enact another law. Instead, we should enforce the ones on the books already. Look for those who fail to use signals (or leave them on), drive way below or way above the speed limits, drive erratically, etc. These are obvious signs the person is not an aware driver or there is something else wrong.

 

[aprilgail2]

I struggle with this. Statistically there are less accidents caused by the elderly then there are those under 21, and yet we don't test under 21 year olds regularly outside their initial driving test.

I feel for you, and I am truly sorry, but in the end it is an unfortunate accident and I personally don't think we should enact another law. Instead, we should enforce the ones on the books already. Look for those who fail to use signals (or leave them on), drive way below or way above the speed limits, drive erratically, etc. These are obvious signs the person is not an aware driver or there is something else wrong.

I agree--personally I don't think kids under 18 should be driving at ALL...18 should be the age to get a permit, not 16 that is way to young.

 

[ziggystardust]

I will sign.

My great aunt (a pedestrian) was just hit and killed last month by a 78 year old woman.

 

[disneyfanatic60]

Thank you to those who have signed. I am sure the family will appreciate it. I am in 100% agreement that there are just as many if not more problems with young drivers, drivers who think they can drive and multi-task, etc. I truly believe "everyone" should be retested at some point at regular intervals. Perhaps yearly for those under 21 and over 55 and maybe every 3-4 years for everyone else. I also agree we do not need another law on the books but I do feel we need to do something to protect our old and young!

My mother had Alzheimer's at 55 and she drove much longer than she should have. We couldn't force her to give up her license. I lived in fear every day not only for her live but I was also concerned she would hurt or worse kill some innocent individual. I struggled for years with this but we couldn't do anything. I also think doctor's who know patients have problems which could "alter" someones ability to drive should have to report this to DMV forcing testing.

Again, thanks to those that have signed. I did not mean to single out elderly people.

 

[kimisabella]

I signed. Hope the goal is reached.