Senior Citizens Behind the Wheel

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Many concerns have been expressed about the potential dangers elderly drivers present when operating a vehicle. Mental and physical capabilities begin to decline as a person ages. When their health deteriorates, the well being of other individuals on the road is at stake. Many elderly drivers should not drive due to their medical history and the fact that they might suffer from possible side effects from taking multiple prescription medicines. In addition, local organizations and neighbors can provide transportation for the elderly to keep them from endangering themselves and others. The threat senior citizens create when driving can be avoided if they are tested to ensure their competence as a driver. Driving is a privilege that should not be taken lightly when people's lives are at stake. The article, "Elderly drivers: what are the dangers?," from Page Wise, Inc. states driving depends heavily on a "person's physical and mental health as the years pass" (PWI 1). The body becomes weaker with age, and functions, such as hearing, become impaired. A study from the AARP indicates that about thirty percent of drivers over the age of 65 have hearing problems (PWI 1). Hearing is essential in driving well. Hearing allows a driver to listen for potential hazards hidden from view because of an obstruction or a blind spot and it allows a person to listen for approaching sirens from an ambulance, fire truck, or police car (PWI 1). Moreover, reflexes are not as quick as a person ages. Many older people cannot respond fast enough when presented with a dangerous situation. When reaction time is lengthened, it can mean the difference between life and death. Senior citizens are more likely to acquire continual dise... ... middle of paper ... ...o a senior citizen when he/she presents a driving hazard. Senior citizens create risks when they drive in an unhealthy state. Diseases and other illnesses emerge because of old age. Medication prescribed by doctors can interact with other medicine and create side effects. As a person grows older, hearing often becomes impaired. This sense is essential to being an adequate and safe driver. Driving with these medical ailments can prove to be fatal to both the elderly and other motorists, and it can cause other drivers to be at risk for accidents. Testing the elderly to confirm their competence as drivers should be mandatory due to their failing health and for the safety for other motorists. Works Cited PageWise, Inc. (PWI). "Elderly drivers: what are the dangers?." Page Wise, Inc. 9 Sep 2003 http://allsands.com/Hobbies/elderlydrivers_upv_gn.htm

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