Do you think Senior Citizens should be re-tested on their motor skills? Why?

Question

Well... i've had a couple of accidents in the past and most of them were caused by senior citizens. Well i dont want to be discriminating buti really think they should be re-tested.

Answer 1

I believe that everyone should be tested from time to time on their motor skills in order to obtain a new license. Singling out just seniors is not an option. There are many uncoordinated individuals no matter the age. It would not have to be an actual driving test but maybe using a computerized simulator package.

Answer 2

It is my considered opinion that they should not have to be re-tested.

If they (senior citizens) should, then so should every other age group.

As one answerer has all ready pointed out, the statistics show that teens are a more substantial threat as far as motor skills and motor vehicle responsibility are concerned.

But once again, if teens should be re-tested on their motor skills, then so should every other age group.

Answer 3

I also agree, but not just with 'senior' citizens..... I believe all of us, age 30 to ???? should be retested every so often.....

Basically, I believe, the State cost and time would be too great to do this, but yes, I believe it is necessary.

Answer 4

I agree but at the same time so should all drivers be retested because the biggest problems are from the age group from 15 to 20.

Update:

JANUARY 2008

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Among licensed drivers, young people between the ages of 15 and 20 have the highest rate of fatal crashes relative to other age groups, including the elderly. In fact, the risk of being involved in a fatal crash for teens is three times greater than for drivers age 65 to 69.

Answer 5

I think the safety record of all drivers should be evaluated at the time of license renewal.  A look at the number of tickets, accidents etc they have had over the past licensing period.  

But there are two groups that should be retested -- the first is teens aged 16-22 and the second is anyone over the age of 65.  The first group because once they get their licenses, they have a tendency to drive differently than when they had a parent of supervisor in the car -- a little more daring.  The second because quite often their motor skills do deteriorate, or they have a disease process that could decrease their motor skills such as arthritis or the like.

Answer 6

I feel every driver retesed & a medical exam    Every 5 years  Seniors every year  most seniors deny a problem  With advanced training i kew the end was comming  So turned i my licence  and have well used bus pass some my worst rides were with seniors

Answer 7

i think so too. they grow old, and have slower reflexes. its simple as that. i also think people should get retested every 8-10 years. there are stupid drivers out there. Im only 16, i have my permit and wasnt doing anything wrong, and was hit because the guy didnt stop at the stop sign. and if you think about it, people need to get there car evaluated every few years, but what does it matter if there just gunna brake the laws and damage the car and themselves and others.. whats the point?

Answer 8

i would think they have mnore experince so thats not the problem.

i think they need to reevaluate their abilities. the more accidents occur because they couldnt see well, or forgot what they were doing, and falling asleep as well.

its usually not the problem of them not knowing what they are doing.

but i think everyone should be retested just because rules change.

Answer 9

I believe that there should be several changes made to the current system.

Retesting should be a regular occurence for all drivers.  Perhaps every 2, 5, 8 years.  A balance must be struck between ensuring drivers are still able to perform and have remembered all the driving rules, and attempting to not overbog the system with retests.

I think a measure that would do very well in making the streets safer is to make the driving tests and classes more intense.  It should be more difficult to attain a license.  While this would have made it harder for me to begin driving, I would have appreciated it in that I would feel much safer today on the roads.

Answer 10

YES! They should definatley be re-tested!