Mandatory Driving Tests

Motor vehicles are the leading cause of accidental death among elders aged 65 to 74 and the second leading cause for those over 75 years. Should Florida adopt mandatory testing of drivers over the age of 65?

I believe that Florida should adopt mandatory testing of drivers over age 65 for multiple reasons. First, the population of citizens retirement age and over is an ever increasing number in Florida. Second, enacting a law like this could help decrease the number of casualties the elderly population experiences due to this. Finally, this would help ensure that people who should not be on the road are not, providing safety for the other drivers on the road as well. As mentioned in our text, elderly drivers account for the smallest percentage of accidents, rarely drink and drive, and have the fewest miles driven of any age group. However, when compared on a per mile basis, drivers over the age of 75 have the worst driving record of all. Many problems are associated with the elders decreasing ability to drive as they age. The primary of these issues being vision impairments. As people age their vision was no where near as sharp as it once was, making it difficult for them to see, especially at night. Another important factor to consider when evaluating the safety of elderly drivers is their reaction time. Delayed reaction time accounts for many accidents. Driving is an activity that demands much of all of our senses at one time. This may be difficult for many elders who are experiencing one, if not more, issues with these systems. Florida (because of its higher population of the elderly) should definitely address the issues associated with the elderly and driving. Though some transportation services do exist for the elderly today, many more may need to be put in place as more people age and become less likely to drive. Other states may consider putting this law into effect as well. After all, it will not only protect the elderly, but it may save many other lives on the road.