Old people on the road?

Question

in australia i know they test the eye sight of the mature population every year, but do they test their mental abilities like reaction times etc or actually take them on a drving test?

Answer 1

Older American drivers have to be tested every so many years in order to keep their license.

The problem that I see is not with the older drivers, it's with the drivers who are reckelss, young and old.  You know, the ones I'm talking about, the ones who never use their turn signal, or never yield when merging into traffic.  Those are the people that we have to look out for.  Some older drivers are some of the most cautious drivers I've seen.  Some of them may drive slow, but you best believe you're going to see a turn signal and they will wait to merge.

Answer 2

Doctors usually advise the powers to be when a senior (or anyone) should have a driving test due to questionable physical or mental conditions. A Doctor has the power to have a person's licence cancelled also.

It's sometimes obvious there is a problem, and other times difficult to diagnose. Also there is testing available for seniors (and others)......it's a cognitive test and special Driving Test.

A person can suffer a minor stroke, or have an emotional breakdown or something else which would affect their driving ability anytime, and so if would be very difficult to find everyone who shouldn't be driving..

In some placels, seniors are tested on a regular basis after a certain age. The population is aging and I agree with you that more should be done to control those who should not be driving any longer. Sometimes, family pressure is enough to cause elderly parents to hang up their keys.

Tough to find the perfect solution though.

Answer 3

Be careful what you wish for with this one, we will all be old someday and I for one do not want anyone telling me that I can no longer drive.  Most older people will give up driving when they feel they can no longer do so safely.  With all over year of experience under their belt I will not argue with the decision they chose to make.  Young teenage driver are statistically the worst drivers.

Answer 4

Age really has nothing to do with driving. I know an older couple (88 yrs -each of them). He still drives. He has no problems judging anything. Young people make as many, if not more, mistakes at driving than older people. I am pretty sure they just make sure you know the laws, check the eyesight. Usually older people see doctors and they are the ones who tell them whether they should drive or not. Most of them listen to their doctors.

Answer 5

I'm all for not driving if you agree to take me where ever and when ever I want to go.

Answer 6

Ya! Sarah i was just about to say that!

Answer 7

lmaooo this reminds me of the south park episode about old people. you should watch it....im sure you have a good laugh. :P

Answer 8

That is a very good point and at the same time this should be done for all people including the young people who dont even understand what reaction time is.............