“An eighty-six-year-old man killed ten people and injured more than seventy while driving his Buick through a crowded farmers' market in California. In Florida, an eighty-four-year-old woman drove her car through the window of a Sears and crashed into a cash register and a clerk” (Murphy). Unfortunately, cases like these are becoming more prevalent and require immediate action. It is crucial to take a more comprehensive approach in deciding the competence of older drivers. Legislation needs to be put in place to mandate and administer testing and review of the skills and suitability of this group. Equally important, we must consider those who will no longer be able to drive and ensure their transportation and work needs are met. With the growing number of older Americans today, we must consider the importance of an effective solution to support senior mobility while reducing accidents. To reduce the danger on the roads, after the age of seventy, drivers should be required to undergo a thorough examination of their vision, hearing and, above all, a road test, in order to be eligible for a renewed licence. According to a Carnegie Mellon University study, “fatality rates for drivers begin to rise after age sixty-five.” While this does not apply to all older drivers, it is a widespread problem. Although age alone does not determine a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle, certain characteristics that accompany the aging process can affect a person's ability. Wendy Stav, assistant professor of occupational therapy at Townson University, said, “Older people are more likely to have health problems that directly affect their driving.” “With age, the activities of the nervous system slow down” (Shulman, Silv...... half of document ......ty Program | North Dakota. September 14, 2009. Web. May 20, 2011. . Murphy, Kathleen "Older Drivers Pose a Policymaking Challenge." Old In America. Web. May 20, 2011. Saxon, Sue V. and Mary Jean Etten Physical Change and Aging. the Professionals New York: Tiresias, 2002. Shulman, Neil, Michael A. Silverman, and Adam G. Golden The Real Truth About Aging: A Survival Guide for Seniors and Caregivers Amherst, NY: Prometheus, 2009. Print.
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