Hold on a minute. You want us to give up our car keys because you think we are getting too old to drive? We’d be OK with it if we had a disability that impairs our ability to drive. But such disabilities can afflict anyone and “age” is not a disability.
In fact, while it might seem counterintuitive, when it comes to safely driving a car, age may be an advantage. The data bears this out.
Younger adults have more accidents and create more hazards on the roads.
Teenage males account for 72 percent of all U.S. traffic deaths. (Many more than teenage females.)
Speeding, alcohol and not using seat belts account for most accidents and the resulting injuries – behavioral issues, not biological issues.
The Illinois Secretary of State recognizes these statistics and is pushing to relieve older drivers from having to undergo driving tests every year. In fact, he is trying to eliminate driving tests for older drivers because they’re not the ones causing the traffic accidents! Driving experience counts!
So, don’t ask us to give up the freedom and independence driving our car provides just because we’re older or getting older. Please resist “ageism” and don’t ask us for the car keys before you ride around with us. Most of us can demonstrate excellent, safe driving skills.
Gene Armstrong, 85
Theresa Marousek, 75
Theresa Steinbach, 68
Jane Wood, 85
Ann Armstrong, 84
Participants in the ACE study on positive aging