NO LICENSE RESTRICTION
WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist
NO LICENSE RESTRICTION
FAIRFAX, VA: More and more the impatient younger generation of drivers is promoting license restrictions for older drivers based on age or performance. I believe much of this comes from our crowded roadways and also the more hectic pace of life for those hustling to make a decent living. In this column we have pointed out repeatedly that age alone is not a valid measure of driving ability. There are poor drivers of all ages. Yes, all drivers should be retested periodically. And those of any age who have poor histories or obvious deficiencies should be retested.
Harry K. sent us a report from George Mason University, Study of Mature Driver Licensing, which says: “Mature drivers may require more time to perform certain tasks and to process new information. Clustered signs at intersections and poor or inadequate road markings may decrease braking and sight decision times. The increased speeds have decreased the amount of time mature drivers have to process information and to make decisions. Poorly marked roads and faded lane stripes intensify the problem of decreased night vision.”
Ultimately, many of the problems associated with mature drivers could be resolved “without license restriction or revocation” claims this report. Sounds like the GMU researchers are in favor of defensive driving programs for mature motorists. These classroom, and now on-line, courses are available in all 52 states, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Phone toll free 1-888-227-7669 for your local locations and times. In some cities the course is available for deaf persons and also in Spanish.
An even greater problem is continued training for the youngest drivers. The human brain is not fully developed until about age 26. This means that younger drivers have varying degrees of immaturity and lesser decision making ability. Yet, the only driving training most of them have experienced is in high-school driver-ed and from their parents (who usually are in need of retreading also)
GHD186 all rights reserved
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist
NO LICENSE RESTRICTION
FAIRFAX, VA: More and more the impatient younger generation of drivers is promoting license restrictions for older drivers based on age or performance. I believe much of this comes from our crowded roadways and also the more hectic pace of life for those hustling to make a decent living. In this column we have pointed out repeatedly that age alone is not a valid measure of driving ability. There are poor drivers of all ages. Yes, all drivers should be retested periodically. And those of any age who have poor histories or obvious deficiencies should be retested.
Harry K. sent us a report from George Mason University, Study of Mature Driver Licensing, which says: “Mature drivers may require more time to perform certain tasks and to process new information. Clustered signs at intersections and poor or inadequate road markings may decrease braking and sight decision times. The increased speeds have decreased the amount of time mature drivers have to process information and to make decisions. Poorly marked roads and faded lane stripes intensify the problem of decreased night vision.”
Ultimately, many of the problems associated with mature drivers could be resolved “without license restriction or revocation” claims this report. Sounds like the GMU researchers are in favor of defensive driving programs for mature motorists. These classroom, and now on-line, courses are available in all 52 states, DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Phone toll free 1-888-227-7669 for your local locations and times. In some cities the course is available for deaf persons and also in Spanish.
An even greater problem is continued training for the youngest drivers. The human brain is not fully developed until about age 26. This means that younger drivers have varying degrees of immaturity and lesser decision making ability. Yet, the only driving training most of them have experienced is in high-school driver-ed and from their parents (who usually are in need of retreading also)
GHD186 all rights reserved
posted by WRECK-LESS at Saturday, October 20, 2007
1 Comments:
Young drivers that have no driving experience are very dangerous on the highway and so are "older" seniors that should not be driving. I was involved in an accident caused by a 93 year old person that should not have been driving and caused me bodily injury and totaled my car. The 93 year old person was not hurt, and I am thankful for that, but the accident could have been prevented if the adult children would have taken the person's keys away several years before.
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