Persuasive Essay On Elderly Driving

The average individual initially acquires his license as a young adult after successfully passing the required driver’s license test. This leads to more individuals continuing to be licensed throughout their lifetimes, which leads to many elderly drivers still having their licenses based on test results from at least 50 years before. Research shows that in 2009, 33 million licensed drivers were over 65, a 20 percent increase since 1999. It is estimated that by the year 2030, 70 million Americans in the United States will be over the age of 65 with 85 to 90 percent being eligible to drive with the same license they obtained 50 years earlier. Regardless of their original test results, elderly individuals should be required to retake the driver’s license test for the safety and benefit of the surrounding drivers.
Problems on the road may occur as a result of an elderly individual still having his driver’s license. There comes a time when he has to give up his keys to do what is best for him and the drivers around. When is the best time to give up the keys? A few examples include: struggling to switch feet from the gas pedal to the brake, becoming easily distracted by insignificant things, and loss of ability to turn body towards the blind spot of the car. These instances would help to identify if the elderly individual has the adequate

capabilities to continue driving.
Although we see the complications that may arise as an elderly person, many still continue to drive without retaking the driver’s test.

But why is that, if these complications arise why do they not retake the test? It could be that not all face the same circumstances and perhaps only half go through those struggles. On the other hand it is possible that the individual feels as if since they already passed the test once, they will pass it again, making it illogical and a waste of time to retake it. Nevertheless, the facts that an individual’s vision, eyesight, and hearing change during age, could cause complications when

driving.
Therefore, the elderly person should reapply for the driver’s test; there certainly is not any harm in it. It is simply reassuring him that he is able to drive at his best and not cause any harm to himself or those around him. It is beneficial for all those who are driving on the road; not everyone is able to drive therefore if he drives he should drive at his best. Driving is a privilege that should not be taken lightly.