New York - Data Show 500,000 Licensed Drivers Over Age 80 |
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(Photo Credit: AP)New York - Of New York’s 11.2 million licensed drivers, 4.5 percent, or 500,000, were over the age of 80 last year.
That group was involved in only 2 percent or 11,000 of accidents statewide the year before, though they did make up 5 percent of the drivers in fatal crashes.
More older drivers are on the road than ever before, and a review by The Associated Press found they face a hodgepodge of state licensing laws that reflect scientific uncertainty and public angst over a growing question: How can we tell if it’s time to give up the keys?
New York licenses, valid up to eight years, have no special blanket conditions for seniors. A vision test is required for renewals and the Department of Motor Vehicles can, on “reasonable grounds,” re-evaluate drivers whose skills and abilities are in doubt.
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Read Comments (10) — Post Yours »
1
Sep 19, 2012 at 11:26 PM HeshyEmes Says:Report as Inappropriate
The default should be 75; at which time one would lose his/her license, unless they can prove that they are capable of driving at that age. This would include a thorough eye exam (and being restricted to day driving unless they can demonstrate adequate night vision) and a reflex exam, as well as a demonstration of their ability to drive over 13 mph.
Let's not forget the senior driver in Florida who drove through a tollbooth with a man half in, and half out, of her windshield; whom she at forgotten she had hit earlier in the evening!
2
Sep 19, 2012 at 11:33 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Having witnessed 80+ year olds and even 77 year olds being a danger to themselves and others on the road, something should be done.
3
Sep 19, 2012 at 11:36 PM nyker Says:Report as Inappropriate
so 4.5% of drivers make up 5% of fatal accidents, i see them as safe as any given person, i dont see any valid reason to restrict their driving. on the other hand i hope and prey im not stuck behind them because they have no hurry on the most part and are extremely slow.
4
Sep 20, 2012 at 03:06 AM TexasJew Says:Report as Inappropriate
My Grandfather, 91 years old ,was killed on the Belt Parkway by an 85 year old who was texting while driving.
5
Sep 20, 2012 at 07:50 AM ad Says:Report as Inappropriate
The group was involved in 2 percent of accidents though they did make up 5 percent fatal crashes.
I'm sure if this study would have been for miles driven, they'd be other percentage rates.
6
Sep 20, 2012 at 07:53 AM Reb Yid Says:Report as Inappropriate
They drive a LOT less than younger drivers, so the fact that they are involved in proportionately the same number of accidents is very scary. It means that they are involved in a lot more accidents per time spent behind the wheel than younger drivers.
7
Sep 20, 2012 at 09:25 AM Buchwalter Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The default should be 75; at which time one would lose his/her license, unless they can prove that they are capable of driving at that age. This would include a thorough eye exam (and being restricted to day driving unless they can demonstrate adequate night vision) and a reflex exam, as well as a demonstration of their ability to drive over 13 mph.
Let's not forget the senior driver in Florida who drove through a tollbooth with a man half in, and half out, of her windshield; whom she at forgotten she had hit earlier in the evening! ”
Heshy Emes last week in New Brunswick ,N.J. a young woman drove her Toyota onto the sidewalk killed 3 people and severely injured 2 others , she was speeding and her dog jumped on her lap . The people were coming home from davening .
8
Sep 20, 2012 at 12:37 PM Nslkpublic Says:Report as Inappropriate
to whom exectly does this make any Differents???
9
Sep 20, 2012 at 02:25 PM ShmuelG Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The default should be 75; at which time one would lose his/her license, unless they can prove that they are capable of driving at that age. This would include a thorough eye exam (and being restricted to day driving unless they can demonstrate adequate night vision) and a reflex exam, as well as a demonstration of their ability to drive over 13 mph.
Let's not forget the senior driver in Florida who drove through a tollbooth with a man half in, and half out, of her windshield; whom she at forgotten she had hit earlier in the evening! ”
I agree completely that there should be a cutoff age past which the man should prove that he can still drive safely. Just curious, how did you arrive at 75? Sounds kind of arbitrary.
Needless to say, women must be made to prove that they can safely drive and, especially!, park between the lines, or parallel-park, every year or two at any age.
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Sep 23, 2012 at 09:50 AM A N Other Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Heshy Emes last week in New Brunswick ,N.J. a young woman drove her Toyota onto the sidewalk killed 3 people and severely injured 2 others , she was speeding and her dog jumped on her lap . The people were coming home from davening . ”
You, Buchwalter, are no doubt a G-d-fearing, orthodox Jew. As such, you will believe that the Almighty directs all of our thoughts and our actions.
Given that, I am sure that you will agree that HaShem had decided in His infinite wisdom that come and that was to be their mode of passing from this world to the next.
The fact that they had come from davening really does not enter the equation at all. Would you have been so concerned if they had come from, let's say, bowling?