Senior Citizens who are Bad Drivers

14 years ago

I thought I would never get home last night. Since I live in the country the roads out here are two lanes with a lot of curves and hills. I was unfortunate enough to get behind a little old lady who was gabbing with her passenger. This woman was doing 30 in a 55 mph lane. On top of that she wasnÂt paying attention and 3 times she veered off toward the shoulder. I had to beep at her to keep her from going into the corn fields. The first chance I had I passed her. She is the perfect candidate for someone who should have their license taken away. IÂm not against seniors having their independence but some are a hazard on the road. I wish I had my cell phone with me. I would have notified the state police about her.

SamKaren

Your resident DJ

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Comments (46)

azzalea
14 years ago
So why didn't you call when you got home? DH was talking to a state officer once and he said they want to be alerted to that kind of thing. Call now if you have the license plate #
joyfulguy
14 years ago
When we are 80, we are required to attend a defensive driving consultation where a number of driving concerns especially related to seniors are highlighted - for example, they say that usual drivers are told to count 2 seconds after a vehicle ahead of them has passed a certain point until they arrive ... but with us, we should count three. Then we are required to take a written test to identify about 40 signs, then answer 40 questions ... and some are required to take a driving test, as well.

When I finished my test, first of about 15, when I went to the presenter to have my test checked, I asked her whether, if I had them all correct, I'd get a gold star.

She said that she was thinking of having one made with a happy face with a car.

I got 'em all right.

My driving instructor said that we should try to drive within 5 km. on either side of the speed limit.

When I'm driving down the road at the speed limit ... is it the seniors who pass me at a high rate of speed? Not that I've noticed.

Is it seniors who pass me, crossing a solid yellow line in the middle of the pavement? Not so far.

Is it seniors who pass on curves?

Hardly ever: never, that I can recall: but you know what they say about us seniors - CRS!

When I drive at 100 km./hr. (62.5 mi./hr.) on the freeway, is it seniors who pass me at 120 km./hr.? Maybe one in about 100 ... possibly 2 or 3.

It is more risky to ride/drive in a car than to fly, but most of us aren't afraid to ride in a car, while many are frightened to fly.

We get used to cars getting crumpled and people dyng in car smashes: thast has become part of the daily routine of living ... but when a plane crashes, they make a big news item about it.

The fact remians, that driving is risky and would be so were everyone to obey the trffic rules carefully.

Each time that we choose to break one of those rules while driving, we add to that risk ... whether we're a senior or a younger and restlesser driver.

I've suggested to local TV, newspapers and radio that they check with police as to the major traffic rules that they see broken and make a note of it from time to time ... with special emphasis on the rules that appear to have been broken that result in "accidents" (really "incidents") ... with extra emphasis on the ones that result in fatalities.

Any takers so far?

None that I've noticed.

I value my driving privilege, for when I lose my licence, I can no longer live here, about 8 mi. from a village and 13 miles from town (18 mi. from downtown).

Hitch-hiking might not be so bad in summer, acceptable in spring and fall ...

... but pain in the butt in winter, in this chilly area around the Great Lakes.

Please take care to avoid driving other drivers up the wall - and recommend that others do the same.

ole joyful
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nodakgal
14 years ago
Man don't even get me started on senior drivers! ND has the worst! DGS Hunter was almost hit last Saturday in an alley behind DB's house while lighting firecrackers! When you spin on gravel while braking in my opinion you are traveling too fast. This gal could barely see over the steering wheel!!! I'm not sure how good she could see out of her eyes either! Scared the bejeebers out of us all! DB put up his orange cones that he uses for work after that!
jannie
14 years ago
My husband, who is disabled, had his drivers license taken away by the state. He had a minor accident, which the police responded to. He discussed his medical problems (Multiple Sclerosis) and medications with the responding officer. Several weeks later, he got a letter requiring him to take a driving test, which he failed. Luckily, I (his wife) am willing to drive him anywhere he wants to go. I am very grateful to that Police Officer. My husband might have killed himself, or someone else, if he'd continued driving.
bigfoot_liz
14 years ago
sorry but no state is worse than FL, we have both elderly drivers and tourists lol. i drive as much as i can on tollways and stay away from the attractions areas. one good thing about the economic downturn is fewer drivers on tollways, fewer tourists and retired people leaving this state as costs have significantly gone up in metro areas.

thanks for the tip azzalea i did not know you could call in a plate afterwards...good to know, now i just need to get the phone # in my cell :-) ~ liz
mariend
14 years ago
I wish here in the US they would require physicals for all over 65-70, some sort of reading test, and driving test for those over 70. It is a standard joke that if you can drive in Minot ND, you can drive anywhere and coming from Los Angeles I believe it now.
I know so many people that have restricted eyesight, severe walking problems that are allowed to drive. I do know that when I feel it is not safe for me to drive I will stop. My Uncle gave up at 96 by choice. But he was a good driver. I took the keys away from my Mom at 73, because she was not a good driver. I am a fast driver, I do watch for farm equipment, and there are two very fast drivers on 83 from Sask/Ont/Manitoba to Minot--sorry, three, base people, kids from CA, and oh those great Canadian. They fly!!, but I am use to it. They do not do illegal, just plain fast, but then I do need cruise control.
Over the years we have seen seniors drive huge RV's take two parking places in the truck parking area, hit small trees in a park, get out of a RV with a Walker etc.
Yes they talk to each other, their spouse, and even on the cell phones. Ditches are good! Trucks and big cars are interesting with seniors. Parking in two places is good and I do so much better without DH in the car!
monica_pa Grieves
14 years ago
Florida...home of the headless drivers.
dex215
14 years ago
I just wish they would test seniors on their reaction time as well as physical disabilities. I see so many seniors who have to lift their legs to get into the car. Then they get out of the car and have to hang onto a walker! How in the world would they react in a situation where they have to hit the brake or swerve to avoid something? Written tests are a necessity but not the be all and the end all.
gemini40
14 years ago
Well in the state of Ma. 8 accidents involving elderly drivers 3 were fatalities in the past 30 days.The others were the usual crashing into store fronts, the latest sunday evening...an 83 year old woman directing her 92 year old husband out of a parking space and he ends up running her over and killing her. There is no testing in this state at all for elderly drivers.
mimi_boo
14 years ago
I'm sorry, but I don't consider all elderly people to be bad drivers.

I do, however, fault ANYONE trying to text, read, put on make up, shave, talk on the phone, etc. while driving.

I saw a guy (mid 40's probably) trying to read a newspaper driving in Tampa's rush-hour traffic with READING GLASSES ON!!!

My GF's daughter rear ended a taxi cab last Thanksgiving morning (2:30 am) because she was texting and driving at the same time!

Arrgh.

Ok, I'll get off my soap box now.

Barbara (with handsfree blue tooth)
cynic
14 years ago
I got a kick out of that Youtube video someone posted the other day about the elderly lady with the 64-1/2 Comet and she got into an argument with the license renewal place. They renewed her license for, what, 5 years(?) and she was upset. She said there's no way they should give someone her age a license for that long, and that they should be tested far more often. I totally agree. As far as I'm concerned, when you go onto Social Security (or especially disability or for that matter probably any government assistance) you should be required to pass a test at least annually.

It's also hard to argue the logic of having a maximum driving age when there's a minimum.

And there should be another part of the drivers test included. Testing reaction to "garage sale" signs. Anyone who slams on the brakes in the middle of the road to see a "sale" sign should automatically fail, lose their license for a minimum of one year and have their vehicle confiscated.
sandy_in_ia
14 years ago
We had an elderly gentleman (abt 88) in town here a few weeks ago cause havoc! He only drives in town, has either Alzheimer's or dementia. They were doing some road repair, had just poured new concrete...lots of orange cones, people directing traffic. He drove into the new cement...coming from the wrong direction!!! I haven't seen him drive anything since then....hopefully the PD has taken his license away from him.

AND......he was the drivers education teacher for at least 40 years!!! Actually pretty sad to see someone become such a different person.

It isn't just older people that are such bad drivers either...I have seen some 50 y/o that should have their license taken also!
velleen-2207
14 years ago
I,m ome of the older ones. 85 I didn't renew my liscence last year.DH still has his but will probably give them up befor too long. Not sure of the future there
rthummer
14 years ago
If any of you all see someone like this, please understand it is me!!

I am a senior citizen but I wasn't in my car last nite. So that wasn't me.(this time)
samkaren
Original Author
14 years ago
Not all seniors are bad drivers...just like not all young drivers are bad.

But did you ever notice that with some seniors....they get smaller and their cars get bigger?

SamKaren
your resident DJ
rthummer
14 years ago
Samkaren,

I think we must shrink as we get older. The only thing that hasn't shrunk on me is my derrierre. Oh well....

I am not as good a driver as I use to be, and I tend to go slower than I use to, but I don't think I was anything like the driver you described. LOL

Darleen
dotmom
14 years ago
Like some have pointed out. Not all senior drivers are bad drivers, just like all young and middle age drivers are. It is too bad that you have lumped all seniors in your assessment of bad driving. I have to drive 4 miles to the next town for groceries, pharmacy & medical appointments. This is a twisty road with driveways every so often that look like blind entries. I have had to slow down or even come close to stopping when a car coming onto the road from some of these driveways, didn't or couldn't look or see before entering. I know this and the speed limit is 50 miles an hour for the this very good reason, and that is what my cruise C is set on. Just about ever time I drive this road, some one is right on my tail. Tailgating is just as dangerous as other offenses and it is not a senior citizen doing it. Dottie, who is 73 yrs old and takes 55 alive classes regularly.
cheekybones
14 years ago
IL (I think samkaren is in IL as am I) has to be the worst for this because even though there are laws, they are not enforced. We tried twice to have my husband's father's license taken away. We even talked with his doc. The doc did not do anything and the other sibs were just po'd at us. He did run into a string of parked cars thinking they were garbage cans!! The PD took his license away and the first judge kept it that way. He took a driving test with a neighbor working for the DMV and this person passed him. A second judge gave him back the license and his daughter gave him back the car. I stepped out of it at that point. He was not going to be driving in my neighborhood. It got to the point he could not take care of himself and he still had a valid license.
chisue
14 years ago
I remembe fuming as we crept along old A1A in Florida! Now, I guess *I* am the geezer! (age-wise anyway)

Seniors get a lot of ink in bizarre accidents, but it is teen drivers who kill themselves and other drivers at a furious pace. I'll bet the stats are four to one, teens over Seniors for traffic fatalities.
glenda_al
14 years ago
Will be 70 in August and I still consider myself a good driver :o)

Now THAT youngun' that was tailgating me, today, I wanted to SMACK HIM!
litereader
14 years ago
I am 65 and I know that I am still a very good driver. I see more dangerous actions committed by tailgaters, people on cell phones and inexperienced drivers who don't even know the basic rules of the road (i.e.; right of way at intersections).

I recently had to tell my older sister that she was not as good a driver as she used to be. I asked her to drive only the minimum amount. She agreed -- so I ususally drive.

I also think that it is wrong the lump drivers into groups such as seniors or youngsters or middled-aged idiots who just can't put down the d@mned phone! Reckless, inept and stupid comes in all ages, shapes and sizes.
samkaren
Original Author
14 years ago
Dotmom

The first section of road I take is a straight shot. It's the 2nd road that is a little curvy. On the straight road there were 6 other cars in front of me before they turned off.

Cheekybones...what part of IL are you in? I'm Northwest in Milledgeville (close to Sterling)

Glenda..with tailgaters I tend to slow down gradually just to teach them a little lesson.

Of course when I am doing the speed limit there are always those who just have to pass me because I am going too slow. Go figure....

SamKaren
your resident DJ
sue_va
14 years ago
I had my 85th birthday 2 weeks ago.

I have never caused, or been involved in, an accident. I've never had a ticket.

Virginia requires a vision test to renew your license at 85. The DMV person gave me bad instructions as to how to take the test. I passed, but am restricted to daylight driving only. That is not a problem. I never drive at night.

My new license is valid until 2017! I think that is ridiculous!! I would think after age 85 you should be required to have the vision test every year.

I will be devastated when I can't drive any more. And I can't say that I will know when it is time to give up my license. My past record of safe driving could vanish in a heart beat. I may need someone to tell me its time.

What bothers me is to hear all these reports of seniors causing accidents. I would like to see how seniors and drunks compare in causing accidents.

I can't stop aging, it is pretty normal. Something needs to be done about drunks on the road. And I don't apologize for calling them drunks, rather than just "being under the influence."

Sue
rthummer
14 years ago
They are drunks, Sue. I call them like I see them, calling a spade a spade. LOL

There are good drivers and bad drivers, age makes no difference. Immaturity, stupidity, and health issues do at any age. (;-)
cheekybones
14 years ago
Hi samkaren, I am near Rockford. I had to smile when you mentioned Lanark in an earlier post.
joyfulguy
14 years ago
Hi rthummer (and all),

With regard to that senior critter on the motorcycle shown on your earlier post ...

... I'm waiting to see what happens to that dress when the cycle gets up to about 50 mi./hr.

By the way - the difference between hands-free cell phones and the reg'lar ones used by a driver in a moving car is of minimal difference, in my view - it's the distraction that's the main problem, not the item in the hand.

When driving, especially on freeways in the city, where many are using those phones ... one needs one's full attention on the road - in front (including, in fact, mainly, 1/4 mi. ahead) ... alongside (both sides, often) ... and to the rear.

Best wishes for gettin' there safely.

And doing your best to help others do the same.

ole joyful
frostedc
14 years ago
Seniors need an alternative, if they can't drive.
All those posters, who are complaining about older drivers, are you willing to volunteer to drive a senior, to the grocery store, or their doctors' visits?
Marilyn Sue McClintock
14 years ago
If I live to be 120, I will never be a bad driver :)

Sue
maybee_gw
14 years ago
Yikes!!! I used to think 70 was old....it doesn't seem nearly as old now that I am rapidly approaching that number...hey, all you 40's and 50's will know what I'm talking about some day.
kayjones
14 years ago
What about those elderly drivers who drive through a crowd of people and kill a few, injure a few, and he walks away with barely a scratch?

Remember THIS guy?

Here is a link that might be useful: Re: elderly drivers
petaloid
14 years ago
Yes, Kay, we remember that sad day. Our friend was there selling vegetables, and he gave us an eyewitness report.

On a much lighter note, I'll link to a story you may have read before, about Grandma and her new bumper sticker:

Here is a link that might be useful: letter from Grandma
mimi_boo
14 years ago
What about those teen agers who race one another and then walks away with barely a scratch? Unfortunately, his passenger, John Graziano, has permanent brain damage.

Remember THIS guy?

Here is a link that might be useful: Nick Bollea
litereader
14 years ago
kayjones -- No one would disagree that there are very, very dangerous drivers, who happen to be elderly. My problem is branding ALL elderly drivers as bad. Be the same if I said all teen drivers are reckless and dangerous. It is simply wrong to tar everyone with the same brush. I can find just as many, if not more, examples of fatal accidents caused by younger drivers.

I believe that it makes sense to test older drivers more often. Even knowing that it would be inconvenient for me personally, since I am 65. But, I would rather know if I am losing my ability to be a safe driver. Don't ever forget that, God willing, you will be elderly some day and may not like having to prove you are capable of doing things you now take for granted.
samkaren
Original Author
14 years ago
literearder
Not all seniors are bad drivers. My point with this particular driver was she was doing 30 mph. Perhaps she just wasn't paying attention since she was gabbing with her passenger..but...her passenger should have said.."hey..you've got a line of drivers behind you".

SamKaren
your resident DJ
kayjones
14 years ago
Liter, you must be a bad elderly driver to take offense at my merely pointing out one example. Where, in my post, do you see that I said all elderly people are bad drivers? I didn't even HINT at that.

I have worked with elderly people for many years and know that not all over-60 folks are bad drivers, but LOTS and LOTS of them are.

In my opinion, the laws need to be changed so that everyone over a certain age must have additional yearly testing - no question about it.

I have NEVER taken driving 'for granted' - I am 59, have never had an accident nor a traffic ticket, except for rolling through a 4-way stop, because a tree limb was covering the stop sign, and I wasn't familiar with the area - no excuse for not stopping - just didn't see the stop sign.

I am very aware that I will get 'old' someday, and am concerned enough about my safety to stop driving if ever I (or someone else) discerns that I am not a 'good' driver. As an alternative to me driving after I am a safe driver, I can call a cab, take a bus, pay a friend or family memeber, or here in PCB, we have Safe Cab, which is free.
mariend
14 years ago
The main thing with seniors is to be aware that their reaction time is slower, and to know what is ahead, behind and on both sides. Keep the radio off in town, and try not to talk to your passenger. Use common sense, smile and be alert
pris
14 years ago
Give it a little time. The population is aging at an alarming rate and soon everyone will be an elderly driver trying to see who can drive the slowest....
litereader
14 years ago
Guess I stepped in it, here. I'm not having such a great day and probably took offense too quickly. Sorry. I'm outta here.
millburn_nj_po_mom
14 years ago
lol at monica_pa remark
jannie
14 years ago
I'm so proud of my Mom. She used to be a great driver, and would go anywhere in her car. But when she was in her mid-70's she ran into a sign in a parking lot. No big deal, just a little scratch on her hood, but she quit driving then and there. She can always find a ride now, with 3 kids living near her. She is 85, and hasn't driven in ten years. She renews her drivers license just to use for identification purposes.
barb_from_pa
14 years ago
I agree with mimi boo and it's a wonder you didn't scare her into a wreck beeping at her!
neesie
14 years ago
I do agree, that not ALL elderly drivers are bad drivers. But what would be wrong with testing them more often? If they really are good drivers they don't have anything to be afraid of.
susan_on
14 years ago
"All those posters, who are complaining about older drivers, are you willing to volunteer to drive a senior, to the grocery store, or their doctors' visits?"

Cold as it sounds, it is not the responsibility of people who are complaining about unsafe drivers to drive the people they're complaining about, around. It would be nice, and it would be charitable, but it is not their responsibility, nor are they obligated to accept having unsafe drivers on the roads if they don't want to drive others around. However, there does need to be some problem solving going on so that these older people can get to appointments and get errands done. But it is NOT acceptable for an unsafe driver to be on the road because they need to go somewhere. My daughter had to face that reality when her license was taken away due to a diagnosis of epilepsy, and the same goes for any other unsafe driver, including older ones.

From my observations, police are quicker to ticket young drivers who are speeding slightly, than they are to ticket older drivers who's driving habits are unsafe. Many older drivers here drive slowly enough to obstruct traffic and pull out right in front of oncoming cars only to drive below the speed limit. They are never ticketed until they cause an accident. The younger drivers are quicker to be ticketed. Actually, a few years ago a senior citizen put her car in reverse and bashed into my car at an intersection, and then she yelled at me for not getting out of her way! She also refused to give me her license info, and a police officer had to get "verbal" with her to get her to provide it.
jennmonkey
14 years ago
I agree that there are unsafe drivers from every age group, but I have to say...I was appalled at the drivers when I visited Florida. Half of the people I saw driving should not have been on the road. It felt like we were constantly just trying to avoid accidents.
mimi_boo
14 years ago
Bad drivers are everywhere. I've lived in large cities and small towns. Northern states, southern states. Seen bad drivers in each and every one. Lost a good friend who was driving in the middle of the night home from work to an idiot driver who slammed into him in Atlanta. Wrecks every day here in Tampa. Get off the damn phone, put the makeup away, stop driving if you can't see, the email on the Blackberry will wait, if your kid is crying in the backseat, pull over!

I too am pleased that my mother said to me, "I don't feel comfortable driving anymore."

More tests for elderly drivers - sure! How about more fences to keep out the illegal immigrants who drive without a license or insurance and have their baby-mama nursing the kid in the front seat of the car only to have the kid fly out of the open window! Oh, and he's 18!!!

It's not just Florida - try and drive in Boston or New York City or New Jersey!

Here is a link that might be useful: Baby Ejected from Car
Hellion
14 years ago
I live in Florida too and it is not all "Seniors" who are the bad drivers. What I am wondering is...if that road is all curves and hills, why is the speed limit 55? Seems a bit fast.

Senior Citizens who are Bad Drivers

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