How Old Is Too Old?

[Diva]

HACKENSACK (http://www.mycfnow.com/sh/automotive/stories/automotive-130833820020318-070315.html), N.J. -- Lawyers for a man who's been in a coma for months now said they're going to sue the state of New Jersey over elderly drivers. Vincent Corso has been in a coma ever since he was allegedly struck by an elderly hit-and-run driver in December.

Corso's attorneys said the state should not have let the 80-year-old man keep his driver's license. The driver was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after witnesses helped police identify his car as the one that hit Corso.

The attorneys said the state is liable because its failure to retest elderly drivers created a road hazard.

A state official said New Jersey retests only drivers who have been identified as potential medical risks.

This is so frustrating. I remember being so nervious going for my drivers license. When I got it, I felt as if I had accoplished something. That it said I was capable. Seeing the way elderly drive on the road terrifies me. If they are not capable of driving then get them off of the road!!!!

[Jennafer]

Yes, I know. :rolleyes: When I lived in Yuma it was "snowbird" hell in the winter and impossible and very scary to drive anywhere. I voted for ability of course. Because there are ignant drivers at any age. Teens are just as bad, if not worse. Then, you just have impatient yuppies, inbreds, and drunks. Yes, I drink alot, but I do take cabs or stay at home to keep everyone safe. :D I get a cookie!

[ozblonde]

I also had to vote for ability. When I got my drivers licence it was my ability as a driver that was tested for over an hour. Not my age. Over here after a certain age the old people are retested but if their ability as a driver hasnt diminished they get to keep their licence for I think another five years till they get tested again.

[Jake]

I agree with y'all on ability. But I think they need to test elderly drivers for their reaction time. Ever stand behind a woman looking for something in her purse? How about an OLD woman. I learned patience when my Nana was trying to find her keyes. I sighed and she turned around and shoved her purse in my hands. then she told me to find her lipstick. When I tried she started teasing me, saying that it wasn't going to bite me. I'll never go into another woman's purse again.

Anyhow, if the elderly's reaction time is as slow as their mode outside of the car, They should be banned from driving. See, I knew I had a point!

[ozblonde]

I guess reaction times would be covered in the emergency stops and braking part of the driving testIm not sure what your system of testing is but I was tested on how quickly and safely I could stop in an emergency

[dc]

Me too, I mean like with names and all. I would quote but, forgot your name

I think the elderly should drive like a bad golfers tee shot!:)

Let the young fuckers sort it out, eh?

[Diva]

Originally posted by ozblonde
I guess reaction times would be covered in the emergency stops and braking part of the driving testIm not sure what your system of testing is but I was tested on how quickly and safely I could stop in an emergency

I actually don't remember emergency stops except on the simulate test in Drivers Ed. We have had quite a few eldery plow through walls, homes and people hitting the gas instead of the brakes. They get confused and just slam their foot down. If they can't concentrate on driving, then they should not be allowed to drive. I wish we could put a free service to pick up and drop off the elderly. We do far too little as it is for them. And this would make the roads safer, besides.

[SysLord]

Although ability should be the rule to base your decision on, in reality it's the cost price of your car insurance that determines whether you are actually able to drive a car. In our country, these prices tend to go up sky high from a certain age. There's not that many pensioners who can afford prices like that. Insurance companies blame the higher risk factor but is that based on solid statistical evidence or is it because these people are less interesting as customer because they will probably never get a second car, won't easily get a new car etc?