I have to say, this community cares deeply about this issue. I received so many passionate responses, and I wish I could include them all. If you want to read more responses than I’ve included today, send me a message. If there’s enough interest, I’ll devote a future segment to more responses.
Here are highlights:
“Driving is a lifeline for so many of my older neighbors, and I think that we can’t only have punitive (though sometimes necessary) measures.
We absolutely should have standards in place to retest older drivers, but any retesting policy has to come paired with serious investments in alternatives. If we’re going to require someone to give up their license, we have an obligation to make sure they can still get to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment, or see their family. That means funded, accessible public transit — buses, trains, paratransit — especially in rural and suburban areas where options are nearly nonexistent.” — Rufino, Ottawa Lake
“I am a first year baby boomer, which means I will be 80 this year.
Personally, I know I am doing fine as a driver. Just last month I took a van load of senior ladies to Southgate for a Biblical artifact show. And in the past year I’ve driven them to Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Big Rapids for various events.
But, there are many of my friends who I feel should not be driving, mostly due to eyesight issues. Many of them self-regulate and only drive around town, which is good. But, having driven all our lives, having to give up your freedom of choice and the ability to go where and when you want, is almost tantamount to a death sentence. Isolation is a big issue for senior citizens, and not being able to drive may add to that problem which can affect both mental and physical health.
I don’t really have a solution to this issue. But, possibly one thing to consider is, say, at your first license renewal after age 55, a person needs a “Physical Ability Checklist” from their personal physician rating on a 1-5 scale their ability to drive in a variety of ways, like eyesight, physical limitations, alcohol abuse, drug use that affects decision making, and mental issues like dementia. I’m sure there could be a few more. And then after that, at each renewal, it could be a standard thing.” — Barb, Charlotte
“Yes, I am 76. A past driver but quit at 65 on my own accord I knew when it got scary with the new speed limits I would probably not be safe on the roads. I see so many older drivers not caring who they cut off or turn in front of. Don’t even bring up the backing and parking nightmare” — Elza, Grand Rapids
“My father will be 90 in April. Although he stills works out five days a week and is physically a rockstar he is faltering with memory. I think this law is a very good step to helping families deal with having to “take away” the independence of someone who is elderly. This transition for the elderly is extremely difficult and I believe many families don’t make the choice to do this on their own to appease someone they may lose soon. It is difficult time for all.” — Ruthie, Livonia
“No to your question.. .unless you want to include all drivers for re-examination!! How about those who get speeding tickets….how about those who are arrested for drunk driving….to single out drivers of a certain age is discrimination!” — Pat, Portage
“I’m 78 and believe that persons over 75 should be tested every 4 years and those 85 and older every year. I realize that driving, a privilege, is a sacred cow for us older persons, but we need to realize that we don’t always realistically face our physical declines! We won’t like it, but is the best for the safety of everyone!” — Doug, Shepherd
“I agree with this bill to have older adults be tested for driving capabilities. I am now 70 years old, so getting to that point, and my parents just died last year at 92 and 97. I want to share the difficulties me and my 7 siblings had with my parents.
I had a talk with my parents about 10 years ago about giving up driving. My other 7 siblings agreed with me, but all of us were afraid to speak with my parents. I explained the situation to mom and dad, the reasons for them not driving any more…my father’s horrible arthritis and hearing, my mom with sciatica that affected her leg and ability to turn her neck. We had started the process of the local senior bus to come and take them within a 5 mile radius for errands, plus as my father was a vet, there was the Detroit bus that would also come and take them to a 10 mile radius from home. Not to mention that 3 of us kids lived relatively close to drive them places, and someone was usually there visiting almost daily. So, getting to places would not have been an issue, we all thought.
My mother agreed to stop driving, my father got angry and refused. Realize also that there had been a few accidents, one involving hitting a person in an alley right before he hit a garage, too many scrapes and scratches on the vehicle, and both parents always had excuses for these things. I told my dad I felt strongly about this and if he wouldn’t voluntarily give up driving I would write to the state. He told me to do what I felt I needed to do.
I waffled until about 3 weeks later. I was at my parents’, my dad decided to move the car from the middle of the driveway to right up to the closed garage door. He hit it, which involved the car jumping over a cement curb he had there to let him know when he needed to stop. I sent the paperwork in right after that, as both parents made excuses for what happened!
They both received letters to come in for a driving test about 2-3 months later and both were angry with me. My mother had gone back on what she said about giving up driving. I reminded them I had told them I was going to do this. My mother passed the test, my father failed. My mother did give up driving about 2 years later as the pain in her neck and leg were even worse, but she promised she would not do night driving and it would just be local.
If there was a law making us older adults prove we are physically and mentally still capable to drive, it would be safer for the community, for the older adults, and save a whole lot of family anguish trying to do the right thing. I tell you these stories as they are just a bit of what my extended family had gone through, and I know there are many others with the same issues.” — Anna, Brighton
