“Hey! Get off the road Gramps!” This is a statement I have heard many drivers reefer to when driving along side the elderly. I myself am a spectator when it comes to driving and I had always thought that the rude name-calling was a form of ageism from my generation. As I began to pay more attention, even my mother who is 50 years old would often get irritated driving behind a senior citizen. I wanted to find out if it was simply that a society was too impatient for it’s elders, or if these older drivers were really causing problems on the road. I chose two journal entries of contrasting views and tried to come up with my own solution to this problem. Melanie Crane has written For Safety’s Sake, which as it states in the title, goes into depth on how unsafe it is for seniors to continue driving. While Rodger Cobb brings up the pros and cons to this sensitive subject with; Are Elderly Drivers A Road Hazard? Together they made me understand the dangers and importance of driving while aging.
Although the two author’s view points that I have chosen to discuss, do not concur with each other, they do come to an agreement that 65 years of age, is the customary age for identifying a senor citizen. The facts also state, that there is to
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California has started more elaborate testing for the elderly who have been referred to them by doctors with medical conditions that might compromise their driving. These additional tests are rarely found in the U. Since younger drivers are more frequently on the road it explains the fact they have more crash involvement rates. Many elderly depend on their cars for survival, as their body’s grow weaker it is harder for them to get around without their own transportation. California has started more elaborate testing for the elderly who have been referred to them by doctors with medical conditions that might compromise their driving. Rodger Cobbs states that society often defer to those who have a lot of experience in a certain area. Except this reporting only takes place among serious circumstances. (Teenagers rank second in this category.
In light of the facts this problem will not be going away, more states need to take some responsibility for the safety of their motorists. Illinois and New Hampshire require vision, written and road tests for license renewal of drivers over the age of 75. If they come to the point where their operation of a vehicle is compromised from declining health, I believe it would be malicious to let them continue driving. Of course if younger drivers were requested to have more strict driving restrictions and consequences, it may be an answer to another problem.
Approximate Word count =
2356
Approximate Pages =
9 (250 words per page double spaced)
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