A Voice of Reason: Not to Re-Test Seniors

A Voice of Reason: Not to Re-Test Seniors

There is an ongoing argument that anyone over the age of 65 should have to retake their driving tests. Although that sounds like an easy fix, unfortunately, this will not end all accidents, there are much bigger issues. To name a few; texting and driving, drinking and driving and the most common, distracted driving. It is unjust to group all drivers over the age of 65 as unfit to operate a motor vehicle, and requiring them to retake their driving test will be nearly impossible to enforce as well as ineffective.

According to Kirk Seaman from autoblog.com, the accident rate in teenagers is significantly higher than senior citizens. For multiple reasons; teenage drivers have umpteen distractions in their vehicle; their phones, music devices and aux cords are readily available. Playing music too loudly is one of the most common distractions. Not to mention teenage drivers are more likely to have too many passengers in the car and not enough seatbelts. Too many passengers in the vehicle just add to the danger and distractions of teenage drivers. In NJ, the law states that at the age of seventeen, having passed all required tests, teenagers can drive with no further checks and balances. Teenagers are statistically proven to be less qualified drivers; younger drivers also are said to have more reported speeding tickets than senior citizens. Age is not necessarily the reason for accidents. Drinking and driving, drugs, cell phones and reckless behavior are of more concern. Drinking and driving is a much bigger issue in today's society than a 65-year-old being on the road.

Although drinking and driving is a huge concern in today's day. "Texting and driving is 6 times more likely to get you in an accident than drunk driving. That is right, it is actually safer for someone to get wasted and get behind the wheel than to text and drive. (“The 25 Scariest Texting and Driving Accident Statistics”). Texting and driving is the number one cause for accidents in America. "82 percent of American teenagers own a cell phone and use it regularly when driving" (“The 25 Scariest Texting and Driving Accident Statistics”). Nearly every teenager openly admits to using his/her cell phone while operating a vehicle even knowing the danger it puts them in. In comparison to elderly drivers, it is significantly less. Older drivers are less likely to put themselves or their passengers at risk for the sake of a text message.

Older drivers are more comfortable on the road, are wiser, and have the most experience. In addition, "Older drivers tend to limit their driving during bad weather, at night, and on high speed roads, in comparison to younger drivers" ("Motor Vehicle Safety"). With that, older drivers tend to think more with their heads and are more aware of their actions, vs teenagers who think more irrationally and do what they want because they may think it's "cool". Although older drivers are more likely to develop a condition that could potentially impair their driving, most recognize the changes and will adjust their driving accordingly. Road crashes are the leading cause of death among young people ages 15-29, and the second leading cause of death worldwide among young people ages 5-14 ("Road Crash Statistics").

Addressing the legal aspect of the matter, it is nearly impossible to enforce a law that requires people to retest at a certain age, considering that every state would have to unilaterally agree on said age requirement. How can the already overburdened government keep tabs on every human over the age of 65? In addition, what kind of penalty will there be if an older driver gets caught driving without re-taking his/her test. With that, older drivers will then just hide the fact they have not retaken their tests, causing a legal mess between the police officers and the prosecution offices. As the driving age is different in most states, it is nearly impossible to enforce a country wide law. It is also nearly impossible to agree on the same conditions when a law is voted state wide.

In addition to many other arguments, this law would also not be very cost, or time effective. The DMV is a place dreaded by most Americans for so many reasons already. The lines are always long, the employees are almost always cranky, making the environment already very hostile. Adding hundreds to thousands of seniors every day into the mix will only require more employees, therefore causing DMVs nationwide to spend more money. Disregarding how long it would take to retest hundreds of people who do not need to be retested. The effect being a backup and longer wait for the young teenage drivers who are attempting to get their licenses for the first time.

The next thing to think about, handicapped drivers. Handicapped drivers are given the privilege of driving; disabled drivers are also rewarded with a sticker, so they can get favorable parking. Where does the line get drawn? In this instance, one can argue, handicapped drivers are not required to retake their tests after their disabilities become known, in what world should senior citizens? Who gets to decide who can operate a vehicle and who is not capable? If older drivers are required to retest, there should be a law implemented for the disabled as well. Unfortunately, an argument can be made disputing most groups' ability to drive safely on the road. There will always be good and bad drivers in every group of people.

On the flip side, some may argue that the older one gets, the more the body shuts down. As the body shuts down, humans may require daily medication for newly occurring symptoms. Though that may be the natural progression of things. It is unfair to group all older people as disabled, or not able bodied. "Researchers find that nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug" (CBS). This statement