When Is "Too Old" To Drive????
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gathermewool
Site Donor 2023
Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
Someone with dementia has no business being on the road, no matter their age. There comes a time when an elderly person's driving privileged has to be removed; by your own account she can't pass a driving test so it's time. Waiting until she's harmed herself, or worse yet, someone else, is incredibly bad advice. Anyone with a lick of common sense could see that.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
qwerty, wait until she gets in a fender bender first.
And what happens if that "fender bender" is with kid on a bike?
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
I consider myself an excellent driver, but I'd probably fail the test too...
I'm hopped up on all kinds of medications too...
Those two comments should be enough to you to disqualify you from driving.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Everybody takes pain meds.
No, not everyone does. Neither my wife nor I take any pills of any sort.
I'm surprised no one jumped on this sooner. What the heck are you talking about, Merk? I've always respected your posts, but your contribution to this thread is atrocious. Recommending that we allow people who can't remember why they're even on the road to remain on the road, because they MIGHT pull over and make the right decision BEFORE something bad happens? What? Further, we should WAIT for something bad to happen before it's time to have the talk? That makes no sense.
When drunks drive and get pulled over, they're fined and, depending on the severity, lose their license and possibly even end up in jail. If some one gets caught texting there are also consequences. Can you imagine if a little old lady was fined or worse after being pulled over and failing a series of questions or other checks that failed a check for dementia or some other forms of mental awareness check? There would be a huge backlash! Why should it even get to that point?
Qwerty, weren't you the one who admitted to driving while "toasty"? If so, kind of hypocritical saying anything about your gramma's med use...
If that wasn't you, then disregard.
Someone with dementia has no business being on the road, no matter their age. There comes a time when an elderly person's driving privileged has to be removed; by your own account she can't pass a driving test so it's time. Waiting until she's harmed herself, or worse yet, someone else, is incredibly bad advice. Anyone with a lick of common sense could see that.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
qwerty, wait until she gets in a fender bender first.
And what happens if that "fender bender" is with kid on a bike?
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
I consider myself an excellent driver, but I'd probably fail the test too...
I'm hopped up on all kinds of medications too...
Those two comments should be enough to you to disqualify you from driving.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Everybody takes pain meds.
No, not everyone does. Neither my wife nor I take any pills of any sort.
I'm surprised no one jumped on this sooner. What the heck are you talking about, Merk? I've always respected your posts, but your contribution to this thread is atrocious. Recommending that we allow people who can't remember why they're even on the road to remain on the road, because they MIGHT pull over and make the right decision BEFORE something bad happens? What? Further, we should WAIT for something bad to happen before it's time to have the talk? That makes no sense.
When drunks drive and get pulled over, they're fined and, depending on the severity, lose their license and possibly even end up in jail. If some one gets caught texting there are also consequences. Can you imagine if a little old lady was fined or worse after being pulled over and failing a series of questions or other checks that failed a check for dementia or some other forms of mental awareness check? There would be a huge backlash! Why should it even get to that point?
Qwerty, weren't you the one who admitted to driving while "toasty"? If so, kind of hypocritical saying anything about your gramma's med use...
If that wasn't you, then disregard.
You are right.
It's not old people that I mainly see as a risk (but I might be biased because I am one) it's people texting or otherwise using phones etc. Basically doing anything other that operating the vehicle in a responsible manner! They are the ones that should have licences pulled for a while.
It's not old people that I mainly see as a risk (but I might be biased because I am one) it's people texting or otherwise using phones etc. Basically doing anything other that operating the vehicle in a responsible manner! They are the ones that should have licences pulled for a while.
gathermewool
Site Donor 2023
Originally Posted By: Whitewolf
You are right.
It's not old people that I mainly see as a risk (but I might be biased because I am one) it's people texting or otherwise using phones etc. Basically doing anything other that operating the vehicle in a responsible manner! They are the ones that should have licences pulled for a while.
Why is everyone comparing other illegal things to driving with dementia? Illegal is illegal. If someone is demented or otherwise impaired, that's all that matters. Pull over and fine those who text and drive; pull over and jail those who drive "toasty"; get people who have a deficiency that prevents them from from safely getting around. Seems pretty logical to me. If I ever get old (I'm trying my hardest not to) and feel that I'm not safe I'll immediately find some other means of getting around.
You are right.
It's not old people that I mainly see as a risk (but I might be biased because I am one) it's people texting or otherwise using phones etc. Basically doing anything other that operating the vehicle in a responsible manner! They are the ones that should have licences pulled for a while.
Why is everyone comparing other illegal things to driving with dementia? Illegal is illegal. If someone is demented or otherwise impaired, that's all that matters. Pull over and fine those who text and drive; pull over and jail those who drive "toasty"; get people who have a deficiency that prevents them from from safely getting around. Seems pretty logical to me. If I ever get old (I'm trying my hardest not to) and feel that I'm not safe I'll immediately find some other means of getting around.
Paul Newman was racing in his late 70s.
In just depends
My neighbor is 96 years old and drives a stick shift Civic...
She works long hours in the garden and keeps her own house.
I'm amazed!
My neighbor is 96 years old and drives a stick shift Civic...
She works long hours in the garden and keeps her own house.
I'm amazed!
Laws to do testing over age 80 or 85 would be a good thing. It is not the easiest thing politically, to put it mildly to get those laws passed though.
Certainly friends, relatives and loved ones should be doing all they can to convince someone who should not be driving to give it up. But if that someone is bull headed and does not listen, I don't think there is a lot that can be done, is there?
Certainly friends, relatives and loved ones should be doing all they can to convince someone who should not be driving to give it up. But if that someone is bull headed and does not listen, I don't think there is a lot that can be done, is there?
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Paul Newman was racing in his late 70s.
Yeah, but he kept wearing a fedora instead of his helmet and leaving his left blinker on.
;^)
Paul Newman was racing in his late 70s.
Yeah, but he kept wearing a fedora instead of his helmet and leaving his left blinker on.
;^)
This is getting close to home for me. My renewal is 2018. I will be 81. I have no idea what to expect. I do know that there is cheesie vision test. On my last renewal I barely passed. 2 years ago I had double cataract surgery. I now have 20/15 in my left eye and better then 20/20 in my right. I only need a mild Rx for reading, 1.75 . On some days I don't even need that. It is the closest thing to a true miracle and I'm still not completely adjusted to it. So we'll see how it goes.
On dementia, 20 some years ago I experienced an incident of memory loss while driving. I was in my 50's. It was scary. After a doctor visit and some tests, he sent me to a sleep specialist. After tests and an overnight stay at a sleep center, it was clear that I was seriously sleep deprived. I have been using a CPAP breathing ventilator ever since. Changed my whole life.
You could say that I'm a poster boy for the aging experience. Aging is hard work, right now I'm starting the 3rd. week of a shingles outbreak.
Ouch!!
I can tell you from personal experience what aging is like.
On dementia, 20 some years ago I experienced an incident of memory loss while driving. I was in my 50's. It was scary. After a doctor visit and some tests, he sent me to a sleep specialist. After tests and an overnight stay at a sleep center, it was clear that I was seriously sleep deprived. I have been using a CPAP breathing ventilator ever since. Changed my whole life.
You could say that I'm a poster boy for the aging experience. Aging is hard work, right now I'm starting the 3rd. week of a shingles outbreak.
Ouch!!
I can tell you from personal experience what aging is like.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
I don't think failing the DMV driving test is bad enough to warrant taking a license away permanently. I consider myself an excellent driver, but I'd probably fail the test too because I don't like driving with both hands on the wheel. How is your Grandmother's short term memory ? Has she ever been out driving her car and had forgotten where she's at ? If not, I'd say she's good to go. I'm a strong opponent to taking people's drivers licenses away, so I may be biassed. For some old people, their car is their livelihood. Take away their car and they can't take care of themselves. That's a terrible thing to do to somebody.
Disagree here. No matter what kind of health your in-if you can't pass your states DMV test-IMHO you have no business driving. A a matter of fact-if I was king of the DMV I would institute a "Reflex test" and if you don't pass- no license. If your over 80 or 90 in poor health your a disaster waiting to happen behind the wheel.
I don't think failing the DMV driving test is bad enough to warrant taking a license away permanently. I consider myself an excellent driver, but I'd probably fail the test too because I don't like driving with both hands on the wheel. How is your Grandmother's short term memory ? Has she ever been out driving her car and had forgotten where she's at ? If not, I'd say she's good to go. I'm a strong opponent to taking people's drivers licenses away, so I may be biassed. For some old people, their car is their livelihood. Take away their car and they can't take care of themselves. That's a terrible thing to do to somebody.
Disagree here. No matter what kind of health your in-if you can't pass your states DMV test-IMHO you have no business driving. A a matter of fact-if I was king of the DMV I would institute a "Reflex test" and if you don't pass- no license. If your over 80 or 90 in poor health your a disaster waiting to happen behind the wheel.
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Originally Posted By: Oldmoparguy1
This is getting close to home for me. My renewal is 2018. I will be 81. I have no idea what to expect. .
NORTH CAROLINA: Starting at age 66, drivers must renew their licenses every five years instead of every eight.
Doctors, family members and law enforcement may report potentially unsafe drivers of any age to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ medical evaluation program. The DMV could revoke licenses, require periodic medical reports, or restrict licenses to such things as trips only to and from work or the doctor, or daylight driving only.
http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2012/09/19/213818.htm
This is getting close to home for me. My renewal is 2018. I will be 81. I have no idea what to expect. .
NORTH CAROLINA: Starting at age 66, drivers must renew their licenses every five years instead of every eight.
Doctors, family members and law enforcement may report potentially unsafe drivers of any age to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ medical evaluation program. The DMV could revoke licenses, require periodic medical reports, or restrict licenses to such things as trips only to and from work or the doctor, or daylight driving only.
http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2012/09/19/213818.htm
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JHZR2
Staff member
My grandfather drove up to a few weeks before he passed. Of course he was also in good mental state, good eyesight, and could still roll around on the ground to fix stuff.
Someone with s mental issue is sad and a totally different story. Ditto for people hopped up on meds.
Someone with s mental issue is sad and a totally different story. Ditto for people hopped up on meds.
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
I'm surprised no one jumped on this sooner. What the heck are you talking about, Merk? I've always respected your posts, but your contribution to this thread is atrocious. Recommending that we allow people who can't remember why they're even on the road to remain on the road, because they MIGHT pull over and make the right decision BEFORE something bad happens? What? Further, we should WAIT for something bad to happen before it's time to have the talk? That makes no sense.
When drunks drive and get pulled over, they're fined and, depending on the severity, lose their license and possibly even end up in jail. If some one gets caught texting there are also consequences. Can you imagine if a little old lady was fined or worse after being pulled over and failing a series of questions or other checks that failed a check for dementia or some other forms of mental awareness check? There would be a huge backlash! Why should it even get to that point?
First of all, qwerty's Grandmother has not been formally diagnosed by a doctor for having dementia; that's just a word that qwerty used for his Grandmother's memory lapses. Secondly, pulling a person's drivers license just because they're old and have short term memory issues is just plain wrong. How well can the person drive is what we should be asking ourselves. We use our longterm memory function when we're driving. If you see a stop sign, that's going to be in your longterm memory. If you see a pedestrian with blue hair and then a block later down the road you can't remember whether the person's hair was blue or red, it doesn't matter; it's not going to effect your ability to drive safely. I think the lady should be given a chance to take the driving test before any mention of pulling her license.
I'm surprised no one jumped on this sooner. What the heck are you talking about, Merk? I've always respected your posts, but your contribution to this thread is atrocious. Recommending that we allow people who can't remember why they're even on the road to remain on the road, because they MIGHT pull over and make the right decision BEFORE something bad happens? What? Further, we should WAIT for something bad to happen before it's time to have the talk? That makes no sense.
When drunks drive and get pulled over, they're fined and, depending on the severity, lose their license and possibly even end up in jail. If some one gets caught texting there are also consequences. Can you imagine if a little old lady was fined or worse after being pulled over and failing a series of questions or other checks that failed a check for dementia or some other forms of mental awareness check? There would be a huge backlash! Why should it even get to that point?
First of all, qwerty's Grandmother has not been formally diagnosed by a doctor for having dementia; that's just a word that qwerty used for his Grandmother's memory lapses. Secondly, pulling a person's drivers license just because they're old and have short term memory issues is just plain wrong. How well can the person drive is what we should be asking ourselves. We use our longterm memory function when we're driving. If you see a stop sign, that's going to be in your longterm memory. If you see a pedestrian with blue hair and then a block later down the road you can't remember whether the person's hair was blue or red, it doesn't matter; it's not going to effect your ability to drive safely. I think the lady should be given a chance to take the driving test before any mention of pulling her license.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
I'm surprised no one jumped on this sooner. What the heck are you talking about, Merk? I've always respected your posts, but your contribution to this thread is atrocious. Recommending that we allow people who can't remember why they're even on the road to remain on the road, because they MIGHT pull over and make the right decision BEFORE something bad happens? What? Further, we should WAIT for something bad to happen before it's time to have the talk? That makes no sense.
When drunks drive and get pulled over, they're fined and, depending on the severity, lose their license and possibly even end up in jail. If some one gets caught texting there are also consequences. Can you imagine if a little old lady was fined or worse after being pulled over and failing a series of questions or other checks that failed a check for dementia or some other forms of mental awareness check? There would be a huge backlash! Why should it even get to that point?
First of all, qwerty's Grandmother has not been formally diagnosed by a doctor for having dementia; that's just a word that qwerty used for his Grandmother's memory lapses. Secondly, pulling a person's drivers license just because they're old and have short term memory issues is just plain wrong. How well can the person drive is what we should be asking ourselves. We use our longterm memory function when we're driving. If you see a stop sign, that's going to be in your longterm memory. If you see a pedestrian with blue hair and then a block later down the road you can't remember whether the person's hair was blue or red, it doesn't matter; it's not going to effect your ability to drive safely. I think the lady should be given a chance to take the driving test before any mention of pulling her license.
Merk, this is not true. Even short term memory loss and mild dementia will affect driving ability. This as stated by such societies as Alzheimer's Society, Physician's groups, and Mayo Clinic.
Here is a statement from this website:
http://patient.info/doctor/supporting-the-family-of-people-with-dementia
"Driving is a very complex skill and manoeuvres (such as turning right across the traffic) require complex computation. People with short-term memory loss or intellectual impairment should not drive but convincing them of this may be very difficult."
Here is another detailed document on the subject:
http://alzonline.phhp.ufl.edu/en/reading/drivingadarticlealzonlinesess2.pdf
The problem is that because memory loss may be embarrassing the problem may be worse than noticed because no one wants to admit their shortcomings. That is why a doctor's assessment is very important.
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
I'm surprised no one jumped on this sooner. What the heck are you talking about, Merk? I've always respected your posts, but your contribution to this thread is atrocious. Recommending that we allow people who can't remember why they're even on the road to remain on the road, because they MIGHT pull over and make the right decision BEFORE something bad happens? What? Further, we should WAIT for something bad to happen before it's time to have the talk? That makes no sense.
When drunks drive and get pulled over, they're fined and, depending on the severity, lose their license and possibly even end up in jail. If some one gets caught texting there are also consequences. Can you imagine if a little old lady was fined or worse after being pulled over and failing a series of questions or other checks that failed a check for dementia or some other forms of mental awareness check? There would be a huge backlash! Why should it even get to that point?
First of all, qwerty's Grandmother has not been formally diagnosed by a doctor for having dementia; that's just a word that qwerty used for his Grandmother's memory lapses. Secondly, pulling a person's drivers license just because they're old and have short term memory issues is just plain wrong. How well can the person drive is what we should be asking ourselves. We use our longterm memory function when we're driving. If you see a stop sign, that's going to be in your longterm memory. If you see a pedestrian with blue hair and then a block later down the road you can't remember whether the person's hair was blue or red, it doesn't matter; it's not going to effect your ability to drive safely. I think the lady should be given a chance to take the driving test before any mention of pulling her license.
Merk, this is not true. Even short term memory loss and mild dementia will affect driving ability. This as stated by such societies as Alzheimer's Society, Physician's groups, and Mayo Clinic.
Here is a statement from this website:
http://patient.info/doctor/supporting-the-family-of-people-with-dementia
"Driving is a very complex skill and manoeuvres (such as turning right across the traffic) require complex computation. People with short-term memory loss or intellectual impairment should not drive but convincing them of this may be very difficult."
Here is another detailed document on the subject:
http://alzonline.phhp.ufl.edu/en/reading/drivingadarticlealzonlinesess2.pdf
The problem is that because memory loss may be embarrassing the problem may be worse than noticed because no one wants to admit their shortcomings. That is why a doctor's assessment is very important.
CKN -- You can call me irrational or whatever you want. I'm here to defend the rights of the elderly so that they can maintain their independence, have their dignity, and take care of themselves.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
CKN -- You can call me irrational or whatever you want. I'm here to defend the rights of the elderly so that they can maintain their independence, have their dignity, and take care of themselves.
Their rights Merck, shouldn't endanger others....that's the point. In most states driving is a privilege. It IS NOT protected by the constitution. When THE STATE, with the help of medical Doctors, determines one is a danger to themselves and others, the driver's license needs to be revoked. PERIOD!
CKN -- You can call me irrational or whatever you want. I'm here to defend the rights of the elderly so that they can maintain their independence, have their dignity, and take care of themselves.
Their rights Merck, shouldn't endanger others....that's the point. In most states driving is a privilege. It IS NOT protected by the constitution. When THE STATE, with the help of medical Doctors, determines one is a danger to themselves and others, the driver's license needs to be revoked. PERIOD!
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Originally Posted By: CKN
When THE STATE, with the help of medical Doctors, determines one is a danger to themselves and others, the driver's license needs to be revoked. PERIOD!
In this case, we haven't gotten to that point yet! We're just going by what qwerty says. His Grandmother could be sharp as a tack for all we know. You can't judge a person's health over the internet.
When THE STATE, with the help of medical Doctors, determines one is a danger to themselves and others, the driver's license needs to be revoked. PERIOD!
In this case, we haven't gotten to that point yet! We're just going by what qwerty says. His Grandmother could be sharp as a tack for all we know. You can't judge a person's health over the internet.
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: CKN
When THE STATE, with the help of medical Doctors, determines one is a danger to themselves and others, the driver's license needs to be revoked. PERIOD!
In this case, we haven't gotten to that point yet! We're just going by what qwerty says. His Grandmother could be sharp as a tack for all we know. You can't judge a person's health over the internet.
His grandmother has memory loss-the chances that she is "sharp as a tack" is about zero. Sometimes, if "the system" fails or doesn't take action it's up to the relatives closest to her to do so. As far as judging health over the Internet-I think that statement is pretty funny coming from someone or was seeking medical/drug advice a few weeks ago on your own thread.
Originally Posted By: CKN
When THE STATE, with the help of medical Doctors, determines one is a danger to themselves and others, the driver's license needs to be revoked. PERIOD!
In this case, we haven't gotten to that point yet! We're just going by what qwerty says. His Grandmother could be sharp as a tack for all we know. You can't judge a person's health over the internet.
His grandmother has memory loss-the chances that she is "sharp as a tack" is about zero. Sometimes, if "the system" fails or doesn't take action it's up to the relatives closest to her to do so. As far as judging health over the Internet-I think that statement is pretty funny coming from someone or was seeking medical/drug advice a few weeks ago on your own thread.
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