Quote:
Originally Posted by billethkid
Yes there should be discrimination in renewing drivers licences. Once past 80 they should be for no more than 2 years...and require vision and reaction testing. It is one of the last freedoms many of us aging want to ever give up.
Family and friends can make it work more effectively by encouraging the "impaired" to not drive. You may save their life at a minimum and others as well.
I would be among the first to complain to have to do it...but would vote for it!!
btk
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California has (had?) a program for "impaired" drivers. They could request a special road test. The examiner would ride with them as they negotiated the city streets from home to the grocery store, the doctor, the pharmacy, etc. If they were able to do that successfully and safely, they could be issued a restricted license. Only good for daylight hours and non-freeway use. They were made aware that if caught exceeding their license, it could/would be gone forever. One reason for this was the lack of adequate public transportation in a lot of areas outside the major cities. It allowed some people the opportunity to remain somewhat independent.
I agree that there needs to be some consideration of the aging process with regards to vision and response/reaction times. And people need to understand that driving is a privilege, not a right. But there needs to be an appeal process or repeat test before a license is denied. Taking a test to determine if a license will be renewed is stressful in itself, and people will not perform normally when under stress.