May 2, 2007
21 TO 65, NO EXCEPTIONS:
Older, dangerous drivers a growing problem (Robert Davis and Anthony DeBarros, 5/02/07, USA TODAY)
Fatality rates for drivers begin to climb after age 65, according to a recent study by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, based on data from 1999-2004. From ages 75 to 84, the rate of about three deaths per 100 million miles driven is equal to the death rate of teenage drivers. For drivers 85 and older, the fatality rate skyrockets to nearly four times higher than that for teens.The numbers are particularly daunting at a time when the U.S. Census Bureau projects there will be 9.6 million people 85 and older by 2030, up 73% from today. Road safety analysts predict that by 2030, when all baby boomers are at least 65, they will be responsible for 25% of all fatal crashes. In 2005, 11% of fatal crashes involved drivers that old.
Debates over how to prepare for a boom in elderly drivers are resonating in statehouses across the nation — including Texas, where Bolka's death has inspired the Legislature to pass a measure that could lead to more frequent vision tests and behind-the-wheel exams for drivers 79 and older.
The only measure scientifically proven to lower the rate of fatal crashes involving elderly drivers is forcing the seniors to appear at motor vehicle departments in person to renew their licenses, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), citing a 1995 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
But most states do not require older drivers to renew licenses in person, and only two — Illinois and New Hampshire — require them to pass road tests, which can be crucial in identifying drivers whose physical ability or mental awareness has diminished.
Just revoke them when folks turn 65. Posted by Orrin Judd at May 2, 2007 6:49 AM
This brings to mind the hilarious "South Park" episode where the elderly, angry at being denied driving rights, call in the AARP army and take over the town.
The boys save the town (of course) by shutting down the "Old Country Buffet", thus starving the elderly so the town can be taken back.
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On a more serious note, all we need to do to solve most driving problems is dramaticlly increase the difficulty of the driving test, (slalom course, tight parallel parking, etc.) which would bar many teenagers, soccer moms, as well as the dangerous elderly.
Any one who passes is just fine.
Just think of the revenue the city could rake in if they would just give fines for those who don't signal their intentions.
Posted by: Bartman at May 2, 2007 12:56 PMoj and Bruno. Get back to me when you're 65.
Posted by: erp![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://brothersjuddblog.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 2, 2007 2:40 PM
While we're at it, let's not ban cellphone use, but require drivers to get an endorsement on their license. Make the fee fairly high, and require a lengthly safety course, and a specialized driving test. Then make the fine for getting into an accident (even if not "at fault") while yakking a misdemeanor with stiff fine (like confiscation of vehicle).
Posted by: Raoul Ortega at May 2, 2007 5:24 PM