Kathy, I know I'm going to regret this, but with all due respect, why does this bother you so much?

People have stated valid reasons why drivers of a certain age are required to be tested. And you come back over and over saying basically the same thing - younger people cause accidents too.

Yes they do. So do drunk drivers, people on medication who should not be operating a motor vehicle, and people talking on cell phones. But the topic here is older drivers being required to pass a test. The concensus among most of us seems to be in agreement. You disagree. Okay, we get that. And?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Nick Russell,

quote:

Originally posted by KATHY ROSE:
How did we get from older people being signaled out for renewal every two years to people driving big rigs who use walkers?

Because it is an excellent example of why having to be renewed every two years is a good idea. If they were walking into the DPS office to get a renewal using a walker don't you think the alarm bells would go off and they would be asked to take a driving test and have a statement from their physician that their reaction times with the legs were ok? I'm sure hoping it would.

And, as Nick said, whats the problem? I just had to take a driving test to prove I could handle 15 tons of machinery going down the road - didn't bother me in the least since I know I can do it. And if I couldn't pass the test, then I had no business driving this rig.

OOOOHHHH yes. Them cellphone users.

Nick Russell, brave or dumb. We will soon find out. At least I won't feel so alone in either catagory. bigjim

Hi Kathy,
the tone of your posts make me think that you must be 80 years old or very close to that age and thus your obvious anger at the thought of having to be tested again for your license renewal.

I am only 66 years old but have already stopped driving at night because of my decreased vision.

I did it strictly voluntary two years ago when I realized that I could not see the road stripes and signs very good at night.

Then this past year, I gave up my commercial license also.

I did these things because I did not want to take the chance of hurting someone else.

I truly dread the day I am forced to give up my driver's license, but I know that day will come.. and even though I may kick and scream when it happens... I know that it is for the good of all of us.

That said, I fully support placing an age related "requirement" on all drivers..

Please note .... I did NOT say an age "Restriction"....

only a requirement, that once a person reaches a certain age, they must show that they are still physically and mentally capable of driving a vehicle in a safe manner..

Best Wishes,
John

I am not 80 but am against discrimination.
I take an eye test and have picture taken now to renew, my point is why should that change because of age? Old people aren't the only unsafe drivers out there, why are they singled out?

Discrimination ?

Hmmmmmmmnnnn...
thats the same thing the RV park manager said about "Senior Discounts" at restaurants, movies, camping grounds, fishings licenses... etc.....

He 40 years old and gets mad every time "Senior Discounts" comes up in a conversation.

He says he is being discriminated against because he has to pay full price while people over 60 get a discount.

So there once again "Age Discrimination" raises it's ugly head..

Is there no end to it ?

Respectfully,
John

I found out a long time ago that people love discrimination -- as long as it's in their favor.

Victim status-- the most coveted status in America!

quote:

Originally posted by bowtiepuller:
I think also it is a good law. UNTIL I get 85!

I wonder when and if we get 85 if we will really know that we are 85? LOL

Kathy Rose - I doubt any person wants to be required to take extra tests for driving just because of our age, but how many times have you seen a car plow into a parade or street fair, killing and injuring a number of people and the driver is an old person who got confused, missed the brake, etc. I've seen several. How many times have you been on a freeway and traffic is going all different directions to avoid a very slow moving vehicle, driven by an old person who can barely see over the steering wheel?

I have to agree with Nick. As for discrimination, perhaps it is, but many states have a 2 or 3 tier drivers license for teens with a lot of restrictions.

Kathy Rose, how would you feel if your mother or father, age 80, with poor eyesight, suffering the effects of a small stroke continued to drive and because he or she couldn't remember where they were cause a crash that killed someone or themself? I would feel so guilty for the rest of my life that I hadn't stepped in when I had the chance.

Gezzer and I have both stopped driving at night unless it is absolutely necessary due to diminished night vision.

I'm sorry Kathy Rose, but I don't agree with you on this issue and if you stop and look at it, you will see it is for the best.

Safe travels,

Judy

I DO NOT agree and have seen far more middle age and teens doing unsafe driving than I have old people

My mom is 86. About two years ago she was in a "hit and run". Both cars hit and ran. One because they did not have insurance, proper license, and were kids going for a joy ride. My mom hit and ran because the other car did not stop. She thought they were okay so she went home. My sister and I talked her into going down to police station. The other car had said that it was her fault. She saw it as their fault. Both paid a fine for leaving the scene of an accident. My mom, in earlier years would not have done that.

My sister followed her from a "shade tree mechanic" out in the country. She said our mom drove in the middle of the road and all over the road getting home. She has not driven since that time but still insists that she can go get her own groceries. Her feelings are very hurt because she cannot drive anymore. But, it is plain that she just cannot drive anymore period. It happens. It will happen to me. Right now I cannot drive at night, and will not. I have never even had a speeding ticket in my 50 years of driving.

quote:

Originally posted by Billy/Marg:
It happens. It will happen to me. Right now I cannot drive at night, and will not. I have never even had a speeding ticket in my 50 years of driving.

Restrictions and mandatory tests are not made for folks like you and I, and others who have posted here who recognize their limitations, but for people who do not realize and accept those limitations.

With all due respect, Kathy Rose, you can "not agree" all you want. I disagree with the fact that chocolate, Pepsi. pizza, and ice cream are bad for me, but the fact is, I am very overweight and have to avoid those foods. My not agreeing does not change that fact. I'm afraid yours does not either.

Nick, off subject, sorry. You are probably like my husband. He hates all diet drinks. I love them. (Unfortunately, probably has not helped my weight that much cause I just would not drink Cokes period). I love the Diet-Rite drinks, all of them. Cannot drink diet coke or others with the Equal stuff in them. Like the Splenda. Some don't though. Guess this goes in the RV housekeeping part or something else.

Kathy-

Perhaps that's because there are so many more in those age groups. Come to my area in Mesa, AZ retirement villa, USA. I am afraid to drive anytime here due to erratic people over 50 meandering around in a fog.

Here, every year we have snow-birds kill others when they drive the wrong direction, or fall asleep, or have MIs or strokes on the roads.

I am 66 and have asked my kids to tell me when it is time to toss in the keys. I rarely drive after dark for reasons others expressed.

I think you are living in a dream world and I hope it doesn't come to haunt you.