Safety First

SAFETY FIRST

In my opinion, yes individuals should have to renew their licenses more frequently as they age. I feel that it should be at least every 2 years.  We do not all age the same so what one person my struggle with another may not.  My grandmother was driving until she was 85 years old after going through a knee replacement on her known dominant knee, her began declining and she still tried to drive until she was in an accident and she still had an additional 3 years remaining until her license needed to be renewed.  I believe that 2 year renewals should began at the age of 65, just as social security begins. At the DMV vision is tested and they suggest glasses but they are unable to really know if they can’t see or they are suffering from cognitive deficits and just can’t recall what the sign is or what it represents.  I think the vision test for renewal should include a multiple choice written exam with questions about what should you do if this was to happen.  On the road exams should include location and proper use of all buttons in the car that could be life or death threatening. You never want to make a person feel that they are incapable of being independent in something they have been doing so long.  Elderly people have a lot of wisdom and they are very cautious of decisions they make, but sometimes their delayed reactions can sometimes cause accidents that could be avoided.  Smartmotorist.com states “Statistics show that older drivers are more likely than younger ones to be involved in multi-vehicle crashes, particularly at intersections.”  Aging is not a process that we can’t prevent from happening; we can only conform to what our bodies allow us to do.  This link is a prime example of how accidents can happen so quickly.  This driver was going on a six block trip in which she had done numerous of times, but this particular morning her absence of attention took the life of someone.  We have to be prepared for life’s changes and except them.