Most people believe that they are safe drivers, while a few are incapable of driving safely. Safe and capable is how most senior citizens can be viewed, however there are some exceptions. A simple retesting of senior citizens driving capabilities would make the roads safer. Senior citizens sixty-five and over should be allowed to drive only if they can pass a second driving test. By having these tests it would make other drivers feel more secure and help keep elderly drivers safe. Roadway laws have changed greatly in the past years and retesting will bring all senior citizens up to date with the current laws. Retesting will prove to be an efficient and effective way to reduce accidents on the road. The retest of driving abilities is not to take away the independence of senior citizens, but it will be used as a safety precaution. .
Driving is a critical issue for seniors and for this country. Right now older drivers are more likely to get in multiple vehicle accidents than younger drivers, including teenagers. The elderly are also more likely to get traffic citations for failing to yield, turning improperly, and running red lights and stop signs, and indications of decreased driving ability.
Many people doubt not only senior citizens knowledge of the road, but their physical capabilities. Everyone ages differently so some people are perfectly capable of continuing to drive in their seventies, eighties, and even beyond, however they are at higher risk for road accidents. A few of the factors that contribute to increased risk include loss of hearing and visual acuity, chronic diseases and physical impairment, and medications. Some people say that by having senior citizens retested is age discrimination. By looking into the risks that effect the elderly will prove that they are the perfect candidates for this retest.
Hearing loss makes drivers less able to hear important cues - honking horns, screeching tires, emergency sirens - while driving.