Argumentative Essay On Elderly Driving

Over 220,000 estimated injuries occurred in 2012 from elderly driver-caused accidents. (“Traffic Safety Facts,” 2014) Coupled with the fact that more than 40 million license-holders over the age of 65 roam the roads of America, driving has become a lot scarier, not only for the elderly drivers themselves, but for those who share the road with them. (“Older Adult Drivers”) Some states have taken it upon themselves to solve the problem, with regulating semi-annual tests for drivers as they age, hoping to catch unsafe practices before they cause destruction in the streets. Senior driver caused accidents have decreased in states like New Hampshire and Michigan that have instigated such policies. (Halsey 2017) However, many argue this takes away senior citizens’ already lacking independence and freedom, even dignity, causing them to rely on the help of others to get to doctor's appointments and live their lives. (Kaulich et al., 2014) Regardless, safety and thus regular driving exams should be prioritized over allowing seniors to continue to drive hazardously but keep dignity, as the safety of other, responsibly driving citizens is compromised every time an impaired older driver gets behind the wheel. As people age, their health declines. Senses important for driving …show more content…
On 71 year old woman said in a 2014 study, “it is extremely important that you drive, and I’ve seen a couple of elderly folk absolutely go to pieces when they got very sick and couldn’t drive anymore…….You have got to hand your license, they just, they just melt…it’s very scary.” Mobility for all within a community undoubtedly stands as an important right. Safety for all ranks above that. States have a duty to provide these rights, and joining New Hampshire, Illinois, and Michigan in implementing regular driving retests for the elderly and restricting or revoking license of the impaired will protect citizens for years to