Identifying the Problem

What Problem?


The ability to travel around any time, going where we want or need to go whenever we choose, is a luxury that many of us enjoy. But a great number of our population cannot share the same conveniences. For many seniors their car is a link to the everyday world of appointments, errands and social contacts. Our senior citizens cant do routine outings because most  public transportation services don't cater to the special needs our aged populations require.

(The Henry Ford Museum, personal communication, August 15, 2012)

For those that do drive their own car, most seniors do drive slower than they use to, they normally will not drive at night, or in bad weather. Furthermore, baby boomers may have more experience driving than a younger driver does; however there are a lot of health impairments for seniors like taking medicines, dementia, or not moving quick enough.
 Rural areas may not have a system of public transportation and seniors may not have a choice except by getting around by automobile. We need to do something to ensure our seniors are safe on the road for themselves as well as for the others on the roads.

Numerous states have gotten tougher on drivers as they age. Some states require vision, writing, and driving tests more often than they would for a younger person. According to Senior Driving AAA, different states have different policies on how and when to give a license to the elderly. Here in Texas motorist have to renew their license every six years; furthermore, motorist have to show up in person every other renewal to pass a vision test. When a senior turns 79 they have to show themselves in person every renewal, and at 85 they must renew every two years (“Senor Licensing Laws”, 2012). Often all that is needed is a refresher course in driving. These refresher courses may improve adult driver safety by looking at and possibly improving their cognitive abilities and driving skills. We can always report any unsafe driving behavior we may see.

Reference~


"Senior Licensing Laws." Texas | Senior Driving.AAA. SenerDriving.AAA, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. <seniordriving.aaa.com/states/texas>.