The recent tragedy involving an 86-year-old driver striking and killing a pedestrian in a parking lot is, sadly, only one of many accidents involving senior drivers. The Office of Highway Safety has pinned the responsibility for our safety on us, the loved ones and community. Their newest initiative Drive Safe Seniors is asking us to have those tough conversations, making us the ogres responsible for their loss of driving privileges.
My 84-year-old neighbor recently came home from the DMV having had his license renewed for eight years. They just took eight years of registration fees and washed their hands of any responsibility.
In addition, they are asking us to monitor vision problems, diminished hearing, slower reaction times and loss of strength. They are asking the senior driver, “Have you experienced a near miss or crash? Are you overwhelmed by the heavy traffic or road signs? Are you taking medication that might affect your driving?” No senior driver I know would admit to any of those things.
They are asking us to notice new dents or scratches on their vehicle. Are they getting lost on routes they were once familiar with? Do they make erratic movements while driving? If we spot any issues, we are supposed to take away the license the DMV has issued them for eight years. Requiring senior drivers to appear at the DMV every couple of years would demonstrate their competence to operate a motor vehicle, and allow state personnel to ask the questions they have tasked us with.
Given the number of tough decisions loved ones are already forced to make, it is unconscionable to require us to enforce what should be the responsibility of the state.
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