Safety Outweighs Risk Behind the Wheel

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Safety Outweighs Risk Behind the Wheel

Federal statistics show that drivers, aged 85 and older, are involved in 3 fatal accidents per day (Davis & DeBarros). Currently in the US, less than half of all states require elderly drivers to appear in person to renew their driver’s licenses. Only two states, Illinois and New Hampshire, require elderly drivers to pass road tests before a new license can be issued. Forcing elderly drivers to appear in person is the only thing that has been scientifically proven to reduce fatal accidents because state employees can visibly analyze these applicants for physical impairments (Davis & DeBarros). Elderly drivers put themselves, and others, at a much higher risk of accidents and death due to lack of abilities caused by the aging process. State legislation, countrywide, should impose laws that are stricter to prevent incidence with drivers 65 and older.

Accidents and fatalities are an immense concern for the population of elderly drivers in America. Statistics show that, at age 65, driving becomes much more difficult for people (Davis & DeBarros). Licensed drivers over the age of 85 have a fatality rate four times more than that of teenagers and five and a half times more than middle-aged drivers (Davis & DeBarros). Davis and DeBarros report that, “Elderly drivers are less likely to be involved in crashes involving high speeds or alcohol but are more likely to crash at intersections where they miss a stop sign or turn left into oncoming traffic” (Davis & DeBarros).

The future of this problem is daunting. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the elderly population of drivers will grow 73% over that of today (Davis & DeBarros). In 2030 the estimated number of citizens aged 85 and older will be ...

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...an make roads more safe for everyone. Ann Dellinger, Ph.D., agrees that, “It will end up that we will all play a part in maximizing mobility in the community” (qtd. in Teenagers and Older). When it becomes apparent that things have become unsafe, it is better to take the keys from our loved ones rather than them lose their lives. Even worse, they could cause the deaths of other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

Works Cited

Bieliauskas, Linas A. "Neuropsychological Assessment of Geriatric Driving Competence." Brain

Injury (2005): 221-26. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.

Davis, Robert, and Anthony DeBarros. "Older, Dangerous Drivers a Growing Problem." USA

Today. N.p., 02 May 2007. Web. 24 Apr. 2013.

"Teenagers and Older People Are the Riskiest Drivers." Old Drivers | Teenage Drivers –

Consumer Reports. N.p., 1 Oct. 2012. Web. 24 Apr. 2014.

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