When you think of the dangers of driving, the first thought that would run through someone's mind would probably be drunk driving or texting and driving. They are a huge cause for many automobile accidents every year. However, they are not the only dangers you may encounter on your day to day travels. In April 2010, I witnessed a terrible automobile accident in which one driver lost their life. The wreck was caused by an elderly driver who failed to stop at a stop light intersection. Unfortunately, elderly drivers account for 11 percent of automobile accidents every year. Every day we encounter elderly drivers whom fail to signal when turning, seem to ignore stop signs or stop lights, or fall asleep while driving due to medication or natural causes. While not only are these drivers a large threat to themselves but also anyone who shares the roadways with them. That includes everyone from the children on the school bus to the lady next door. I will agree that not every elderly driver is a threat to the road. I do believe that there are more than a few that do fall into that category and should not be behind the wheel of a vehicle. I strongly think something should be done in order to make every day traveling a little safer in today's society. .
I feel as the best solution for this issue is to require all Americans over the age of 65 to retest as a part of the license renewal program. Once a driver reaches the age of 65, their eyesight and/or hearing may start to fail them, even with the use of glasses or hearing aids. Requiring that all must retest would ensure extra safety on the roadways and cut back (if even a small percentage) on the accidents that occur each year. In my opinion, the best way to ensure only proficient drivers are on the road is to ask that the drivers in America over the age of 65 take both the written and driving skill portions as well as submit to an eye exam every four years in order to renew their license just like all American drivers must do every four years.
