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Time to tighten license renewals for senior drivers?

GasBuddy Blog -- The Associated Press reported earlier this year that a series of crashes into storefronts in and around Lafayette, IN has left a trail of property damage but the drivers responsible are likely still behind the wheel.

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicle spokesman Graig Lubsen says: "Drivers 75 and up must have their licenses renewed more frequently." Indiana DMV requirements currently call for motorists to be tested every 3 years between age 75 through 84 and every 2 years for drivers 85 and older. A driving test is only required for the initial license. He adds that the only thing that would prevent Indiana seniors from a renewal would be failing the vision test. A driving test is only required for initial licensing and the skills...

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Submitted May 07, 2012 By: PD

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1stupedaso Sophomore Author Kentucky Posts:197 Points:70,170 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 7:04:32 AM Ignore 1stupedaso Report Abuse on the interstate, i have noticed that texting drivers are the most eratic
Gas4Gore Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,401 Points:419,875 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 8:25:47 PM Ignore Gas4Gore Report Abuse Only if they are over 90.
WanderDan All-Star Author Dayton Posts:585 Points:141,210 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Dec 12, 2012 3:29:38 PM Ignore WanderDan Report Abuse it is sad to see seniors lose their independence but safety to themselves and others matter. I have personally seen DMV clerks give seniors the answers on eye tests.
KAR120CSII Champion Author Oregon Posts:3,162 Points:617,570 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 1:51:24 PM Ignore KAR120CSII Report Abuse I'm already there and I wish they had kevlar storefront windows here in PDX.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,115 Points:290,865 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Dec 11, 2012 7:47:25 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse safety first
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,442 Points:1,323,805 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2012 7:31:24 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse I don't know but I threatened to place a yellow flashing beacon atop my 95 year old mama's car so people could see her coming and have a better chance to get out of the way.
DeeMamma88 Veteran Author San Bernardino Posts:352 Points:279,855 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Dec 10, 2012 8:31:53 AM Ignore DeeMamma88 Report Abuse It's inconvenient for everyone but we probably need more vision & overall testing for all drivers
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:5,947 Points:1,272,775 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2012 11:36:12 PM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse Remember...we will all be there someday, if we're lucky enough.
KAR120CSII Champion Author Oregon Posts:3,162 Points:617,570 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2012 7:06:42 PM Ignore KAR120CSII Report Abuse nope unless they run into any store fronts (or store backs for that matter).
txrojo2005 All-Star Author Austin Posts:761 Points:476,180 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 9, 2012 9:37:41 AM Ignore txrojo2005 Report Abuse I am not sure you can write a rule (or law) that would solve this problem.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,115 Points:290,865 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 8:48:00 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse hmmm
ruca2012 Champion Author San Diego Posts:1,044 Points:209,190 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 7:25:33 AM Ignore ruca2012 Report Abuse they need to regulate this more closely. I regularly get missed accidents from elderly people whos reflexes are slow
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,092 Points:2,169,000 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Dec 8, 2012 6:18:23 AM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse How about stopping the texting and cell phone calls while driving.
skidsteer85xt Champion Author Indiana Posts:3,595 Points:184,100 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 6:24:40 AM Ignore skidsteer85xt Report Abuse I THINK ONCE THEY HAVE A RECK THIS WAY AT THAT AGE MAYBE THEY SHOULD TAKE A DRIVING TEST AGAIN JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE UP TO SPEED.
npothier Rookie Author Ontario Posts:65 Points:129,710 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Dec 7, 2012 5:32:41 AM Ignore npothier Report Abuse Here in Ontario, Canada, drivers have to go for testing every two years once they turn 80. This involves vision test, group session and a written test. Sometimes a road test is required if they were in an accident.
KAR120CSII Champion Author Oregon Posts:3,162 Points:617,570 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Dec 6, 2012 4:50:10 PM Ignore KAR120CSII Report Abuse Experience does count.
mamalisa52 Rookie Author Dayton Posts:16 Points:1,865 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Dec 5, 2012 11:42:24 PM Ignore mamalisa52 Report Abuse I think that renewals should be given every few years anyway. So many people not only Seniors act like they don't know the rules of the road
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:22,903 Points:3,527,400 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Dec 5, 2012 7:33:25 PM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse BlueJaysMVP33 says: "Seniors should have to be tested every three years, starting at age 65." 65 isn't old, bucko. And it you want a head-to-head driving test I would be happy to show you. There is a valid reason I have maximum discount on my insurance. There is a valid reason I have maximum merits on my licence. There is a valid reason I receive a discount on my driver licence.
wayneroad Rookie Author Victoria Posts:93 Points:76,200 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Dec 5, 2012 7:21:10 PM Ignore wayneroad Report Abuse most responses sound like "should tighten the rules for everyone else but me"
wldhrs1 All-Star Author Alabama Posts:748 Points:152,080 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Dec 4, 2012 2:23:04 PM Ignore wldhrs1 Report Abuse Being a 50 something year old driver with absolutely 0 accidents (on public roadways), I have avoided collisions with many drivers that really have no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle. I would say the majority were teenagers and elderly. For the past few years that has changed some. It is mostly drivers more focused on electronic devices instead of driving.
BlueJaysMVP33 Rookie Author Ontario Posts:23 Points:16,635 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Dec 4, 2012 12:12:19 PM Ignore BlueJaysMVP33 Report Abuse Seniors should have to be tested every three years, starting at age 65.
Gas4Gore Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,401 Points:419,875 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Dec 3, 2012 8:14:12 PM Ignore Gas4Gore Report Abuse I am 70 and it sounds okay to me.
SuziLew All-Star Author California Posts:537 Points:167,170 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Dec 3, 2012 12:21:57 PM Ignore SuziLew Report Abuse Health issues should be a factor in driving, regardless of age. I would hate to see a restriction just on age alone.
indyjim Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:10,071 Points:2,315,430 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 3, 2012 5:42:11 AM Ignore indyjim Report Abuse There comes a time when safety is more important than the privilege of driving.
KAR120CSII Champion Author Oregon Posts:3,162 Points:617,570 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Dec 2, 2012 11:05:18 PM Ignore KAR120CSII Report Abuse Haven't had a Senior crash into a storefront in years here. Oh, maybe last year. And we have a ton of them.
indyjim Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:10,071 Points:2,315,430 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 2, 2012 7:13:39 AM Ignore indyjim Report Abuse There comes a time in every life when getting behind the wheel becomes a hazard.
OmieCA Veteran Author California Posts:253 Points:129,885 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Dec 2, 2012 2:59:01 AM Ignore OmieCA Report Abuse Sorry, but I think once you get to a certain age, the risk simply starts to outweigh the benefits, and so you should not be allowed to drive any more. If you do, you are simply asking for trouble.
rocket_ron Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:6,266 Points:1,982,495 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 9:58:16 PM Ignore rocket_ron Report Abuse Ok
kiosk12y Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,601 Points:677,870 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 5:55:49 PM Ignore kiosk12y Report Abuse have seen young old texters cell phone talkers drunk sleepy mad impatient & the others that just dont care...
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,442 Points:1,323,805 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 3:12:21 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse You can catch of few of these oldsters on vision, hearing and etc but strokes, heart attacks come on sudden and we will still have oldies driving into stores and stuff like that. Won't hurt to test but it may not help as much as you think. Drivers I most fear are inattentive, readers at the wheel, reckless, texters, agressive law breakers and usually young.
going up Champion Author St. Louis Posts:1,001 Points:798,720 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Dec 1, 2012 3:51:17 AM Ignore going up Report Abuse I know some 40 and 50 yr olds that shouldn't be driving.
Gas4Gore Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,401 Points:419,875 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Nov 30, 2012 7:45:45 PM Ignore Gas4Gore Report Abuse Oh no
mfgendron All-Star Author New York Posts:674 Points:306,835 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 8:51:17 AM Ignore mfgendron Report Abuse Got to toughen the rules,laws for the elderly.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,115 Points:290,865 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 8:00:46 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
jwalkerh Champion Author Louisiana Posts:6,127 Points:1,368,395 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Nov 29, 2012 7:45:01 AM Ignore jwalkerh Report Abuse They would just have more seniors driving without licences like the rest of the motorists who have suspensions.
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:22,903 Points:3,527,400 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Nov 28, 2012 1:35:05 AM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse DeserTBoB says: "Over 70? Driving test every four years, mandatory." How about, under 25? Driving test AND random drug and alcohol test, every year, mandatory.
mabrams184 Champion Author Lexington Posts:2,085 Points:530,055 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 10:04:52 PM Ignore mabrams184 Report Abuse It should be tougher to both obtain and keep a license in the US
ihuey99 All-Star Author Oakland Posts:995 Points:375,015 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Nov 27, 2012 8:10:00 PM Ignore ihuey99 Report Abuse Nothing wrong with that.
Gas4Gore Champion Author Detroit Posts:2,401 Points:419,875 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 8:03:07 PM Ignore Gas4Gore Report Abuse Yeh think.
dockersbin Veteran Author Virginia Beach Posts:407 Points:258,885 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 1:28:00 PM Ignore dockersbin Report Abuse I think alot of people should have a drvers test mre often! Fast lane is for what.... That is right people driving faster. Move over and slow down if you see an accident.... Don't email/text/internet while driving!?!? It is pretty bad when a class for common sense is needed!
DeserTBoB Champion Author California Posts:1,319 Points:197,175 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Nov 26, 2012 1:20:47 PM Ignore DeserTBoB Report Abuse Over 70? Driving test every four years, mandatory.
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,092 Points:2,169,000 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Nov 22, 2012 7:44:43 AM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse There should be some kind of testing for ALL driver renewals..
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,881 Points:769,345 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 10:07:13 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse !
benjy Champion Author Chicago Posts:8,581 Points:1,784,770 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 8:28:35 PM Ignore benjy Report Abuse I've never seen a Senior tesking while driving...
ToriTX Sophomore Author Texas Posts:163 Points:32,195 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Nov 20, 2012 1:42:42 PM Ignore ToriTX Report Abuse thats silly
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:750,755 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Nov 19, 2012 7:50:28 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse I hope there is a solution on this because many times elderly drivers are as dangerous as young drivers.
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,115 Points:290,865 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2012 5:58:21 PM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
orangecrush35 All-Star Author Miami Posts:624 Points:21,895 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2012 3:44:56 PM Ignore orangecrush35 Report Abuse i am 42 and old people are not the reason for deaths it,s all the teens who kill.
rumbleseat Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:22,903 Points:3,527,400 Joined:Oct 2002	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2012 3:12:43 PM Ignore rumbleseat Report Abuse I am 65 and a BETTER driver than when I was younger. My reflexes haven't slowed much, and a couple million miles of experience makes me a safer driver than 99% of the drivers under 25. I have yet to need glasses, my peripheral vision is slightly wider than average, and my hering is good. I look at some of the fools that think as soon as one is 65 one is old and have to remind them they WILL get there some day. Are there some bad senior drivers? Yep, but there are bad drivers of all ages. Senior drivers aren't the ones tailgating you in the rain, on ice, and in fog. Senior drivers aren't the first ones in the ditch with the first snowfall. Senior drivers aren't the ones booting it through red lights then complaining about the camera tickets. Senior drivers aren't the ones yakking on the phone about pizza and dates while driving one-handed through traffic. If a senior driver hits the gas and drives through a shop window, everybody in the country hears about it. If a junior driver hits the gas and drives through a window, nobody outside town hears about it unless 12 people are killed and injured.
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,442 Points:1,323,805 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2012 9:15:18 AM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse The drivers license (tag offices etc) renewers could be empowered to give basic hearing, vision and dexterity tests. Any one spotted or questionable would be turned over to an examiner. We are way short of examiners anyway (at least here in Oklahoma) and basic screening could be done easily by license renewers.