Author: admin

Too Old To Drive: The Difficult Decision Mainers Face on Hanging up the Keys

Feb 6, 2014

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — As many people in the state’s population continue to grow older, one by one they each have to face the same challenging question: when is it time to stop driving?

Finding the unique answers that vary from person to person isn’t just important for the drivers themselves but also the public at large. According to a national study from the research group TRIP, there were 161 fatalities in Maine from car crashes on the state’s many roads and highways. Out of that total, 36 of those fatalities were in crashes involving drivers over the age of 65.

Last fall in Old Town the issue also came back into major focus after yet another elderly driver was stopped by police for going the wrong way on I-95. That incident, which ended without a crash, was one where the driver went against interstate traffic for 10 miles prompting dozens of phone calls to 9-1-1.

“The reason why senior driving is so difficult to grapple with.. is it’s very subjective,” said Maine secretary of state Matt Dunlap, “you can’t come up with a blanket policy that affects everybody. No two senior drivers are exactly alike..they don’t have the same issues or even if they have the same issues..they have them to different degrees.”

According to the secretary, re-testing procedures for elderly drivers in Maine has not changed much over the years. Under current state law, all drivers have to have an eye exam with every license renewal beginning after age 62. When they reach 65, the renewal period for a license then drops from every six years to every four years.

“So that’s often what we’re limited to at this juncture,” he said, “people often ask about proposals for mandatory road tests at a certain age and the reality is that we’re not equipped to do that. We {the state bureau of motor vehicles} do tens of thousands of road tests now for new drivers..and there’s commercial, Class C…bus licenses. We have all we can manage right now on the traffic for road tests.”

While screening procedures haven’t changed, neither has extra protocol for catching aging drivers who may be impaired. Erratic drivers of any age can become the subject of reports made by police or by medical doctors. Officials with the Maine State Police say in most cases when those adverse reports get filed, a driver either has to be re-tested for their license or risk losing it.

“Doing an adverse report is a very difficult step to take,” said Lt. Colonel Raymond Bassette, “but if someone has been giving indications that they’re struggling with their driving…an adverse report does give a tool.”

“We all have to retire from driving on average about 6 to 10 years before we kick the bucket,” said Dr. David Onion, who specializes in geriatrics and has evaluated hundreds of older drivers over the years, “We have to plan ways to get around and socialize when that time period first comes.”

Dr. Onion currently sits on the medical advisory committee for the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, which is currently working on ways to revise procedures for evaluating aging drivers. He say he is also looking at coordinating volunteer efforts to create more community ride programs for those Mainers who decide to park their cars for good.

“And they’re struggling,” Onion said, “The more rural they are..the more difficulties they have getting to everything they care about. Maine’s a very rural state…one of the most rural states east of the Mississippi and a lot of people live there…and you got to have a car to get around or you got to have family who will drive you and that’s increasingly difficult.”

Source: WCSH6.com

LETTERS: A word to the Older Driver

February 06,2014

One day in the pleasant Dorset town in which I live there drove an old man into my local supermarket car park via its exit lane. His car was already covered in dents and scratches.

Although elderly myself, from past professional reflex I gently chided him over his continuing to drive.

I received the magisterial and (to him) unanswerable reply: “I’ve been driving since 1950, you young ****!” Yes, and it showed.

Before I retired I worked as a specialist community psychiatric nurse for the elderly. In close co-operation with other authorities, including GPs, I was often instrumental in terminating an old person’s driving – a hateful task to have to do.

It could mean the loss of freedom; social stimulation and the means fully to care for a completely dependent partner. It can cause real bereavement. It’s a kind of moral amputation.

But no matter how relatively safe other older drivers still appear to be, there is the growing national problem of “incidents” – causing anything from mild infuriation to all-out road rage, to actual collisions.

Sensitive older drivers make every effort to avoid problems. They drive on local roads with which they are familiar and drastically cut down on their mileage.

This is the only reason older drivers appear safer on statistics. Ask any insurance company.

The crux is this; all we older people are affected increasingly with age by mild to moderate Cognitive Deficit. That just means slower reaction times and is often more than compensated for by increased life experience and (sometimes) wisdom.

It doesn’t necessarily lead into real dementia in the majority of cases.

But when driving it’s all somewhat analagous to the effects of one and a half to two units of alcohol. Braking reflexes are slower, inhibitions less restrained and overall concentration blunted and intermittent rather than continuous. And even at an impact speed after braking of “only” 25mph, half a ton of motor car can cause a lot of harm to other human beings. Ouch!

Now here, any older driver will say to themselves, “Yes, of course he’s right, but it doesn’t apply in my own particular case. One day it will, but not yet.” Sounds a bit like St Augustine.

The psychological process here is called Denial. Even decent, honest human beings can in all sincerity deceive themselves and others if what they see as their vital interests are threatened.

Take the compulsory renewal of a driving licence on one’s 70th birthday. There is a long list on the form of medical issues which require only a simple “yes” or “no” replay. Any problematic answer to the DVLC and renewal will be delayed for months following investigation, or even refused.

So guess what? Mysteriously, millions of older drivers confirm there is no medical problem whatever which could preclude that precious green document being renewed. And seriously, who will judge or blame those who can be simply (I hate to use the word) lying? Who will cast the first stone? We are all of us flawed.

What can be done, then? Obviously the ideal solution would be an annual or even three-yearly driving test. But the government who imposed such legislation on such a powerful voting base would commit political suicide. So it will never come about.

The answer then? We older drivers must monitor ourselves much more ruthlessly for our own sake or the sake of our nearest and dearest, or other people’s nearest and dearest. Have the bravery to do the unthinkable. Or do what I’m going to do. Set yourself a date for surrendering that licence.

give up driving on that date and return your licence. But in my case it’s going to be so hard, believe me. I’m already having anticipatory bereavement just thinking about it.

No, it’s not altruism, it’s self-interest. I’ve tested providence hugely over decades and hundreds of thousands of miles. So far so good.

We older drivers have got to be so grateful we’ve reached this point if we’ve had no major driving calamity.

Call in your chipos whilde you’re still ahead.

Hopefully I can still walk down to the pub.

Source: Blackmore Vale Magazine

Bill to Require Seniors to Renew Driver’s Licenses More Often Moves to Senate

Feb 07, 2014

A House bill that require seniors to renew their driver’s licenses earlier and more often moves forward in the General Assembly.

A Virginia father who lost his son in horrible crash helped to shape this legislation.

This bill would require anyone age 75 to appear in person at DMV to renew their driver’s license. Right now the age is 80.

Also driver’s licenses are typically issued for eight years. This measure would require anyone 75 or older to renew their license every five years.

Supporters say the measure is not about targeting seniors but making our roads safer for everyone.

This week, an elderly woman in Florida accidentally backs into a crowd leaving church and kills three. In May, a chesterfield senior hits the gas instead of the brakes and plows into a building. And last year an elderly driver makes a wrong turn plunging into the James River. All tragic accidents that could have possibly been prevented.

Dave Morrell’s 32-year-old son Darren, a newlywed full of hopes and dreams, was tragically hit and killed by a senior driver in Oakton in 2011.

“It occurred when an 85 year old individual pulled out of a small commercial area making a left-hand turn without looking.”

The 85-year-old never even knew he hit Darren.

“In fact pedestrians alongside the road had to stop him.  So it begged the question how was he still driving.”

Wanting to prevent something like this from happening to another family, Morrell pressed for House Bill 771, the Mature Driving Bill, which requires seniors renew their licenses earlier, in person and more often.

While critics argues it’s taking a seniors’ impendence away it has wide support from AARP, Drivesmart Virginia and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

“The bill we think is very reasonable,” says Dana Schrad, Executive Director VA Association of Police Chiefs. “It just requires you to go a little bit more frequently and get your eyes checked and that is something that should be a public safety concern for all of us.”

The bill has passed the House. It heads to the Senate on February 12.

To read the full bill, click here.

Source: Wric.com

Joyce Bill Focuses on Older Drivers

State Sen. Brian A. Joyce is filing a bill to require people over the age of 85 to pass a road test when they renew their license.

BOSTON – Eight years ago, a constituent told Sen. Brian A. Joyce, D-Milton, of her concerns about the driving of her elderly mother.

The call prompted Joyce to sponsor a law, passed in 2010, requiring people over 75 years old to take an eye exam and renew their driver’s license in person every five years.

Now Joyce is filing a bill to require people over the age of 85 to pass a road test when they renew their license.

“Prior to 2010, you’d take a driver’s test at 161/2 and then never again,” Joyce said. “This would strike most people as unwise.”

Joyce said he would accept a simulated road test, but he insists that something needs to be done.

“At 85, a great wealth of data suggests that there is a drop in cognitive and physical abilities and reactions,” Joyce said.

The Joint Committee on Transportation postponed a hearing on the bill following the snow cancellations Wednesday.

Joyce has received a large amount of negative blowback from constituents and advocacy groups since the bill was filed, but he insists it’s a pro-senior bill meant to protect everyone. He also supported legislation to restrict teenage driving, but didn’t face the voter wrath prompted by his current proposal.

Joyce said he understands how precious independence is to seniors but eventually most drivers must call it quits.

“My father was the best driver I ever knew, but there comes a point where we had to talk with him (about no longer driving).” Joyce said.

The AARP of Massachusetts declined to comment on the legislation. Joyce said the group has opposed the bill.

Mary Maguire, director of public and legislative affairs at AAA, said setting the law at age 85 is arbitrary. She also said many seniors drive more safely than younger drivers.

“We believe that driving ability is not a function of chronological age,” Maguire said. “Some people might be impaired at 45, so it’s hard to assign an arbitrary number to driving competency.”

Maguire said senior drivers police themselves by choosing to not drive at night, to not drive during rush hour, and to drive more slowly. She said younger drivers are the highest risk because of a lack of experience and judgment.

“Drivers of all ages should be working to sharpen their driving skills because it’s the most dangerous thing we do on a daily basis,” Maguire said.

Elizabeth Dugan, an associate professor of gerontology at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, also disagrees with the bill.

“Our society is aging and we’ll adapt,” Dugan said. “Just as elders check their blood pressure and weight, they’ll check their driving ability.”

Joyce remains confident that the bill will pass despite the opposition.

“It’s beyond commonsensical that we have to ensure people are safe,” Joyce said. “Eventually this too shall pass.”

Source: The Enterprise

Elderly Driver who Crashed into New Smyrna Beach Hospital Failed Vision Test

Feb. 7, 2014

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — 

Changes for Older Drivers Nixed

By: Chelyen Davis / The Free Lance-Star

RICHMOND—Perhaps Sen. Jeff McWaters, R–Virginia Beach, shouldn’t have been surprised the Senate voted down his “mature driver” bill.

Even his 85-year-old mother opposed it, McWaters said.

Had it passed, McWaters’ mother—and all drivers older than 75—would have to be re-tested by the Department of Motor Vehicles every five years, rather than the current eight. The bill also would have required anyone over age 75—rather than 80, the current law—to appear in person at the DMV to renew their license. It allowed mature drivers to go to driver improvement classes specifically for older drivers, and it also would have allowed people who report poor driving by elderly drivers to the DMV to stay anonymous. Currently only relatives of the person or a medical professional who is treating him or her can report such a driver and remain anonymous.

McWaters, who is 57, said the bill was the result of a study that the Senate itself asked the DMV to do. The bill was a recommendation of that study, and was backed by the AARP, among a variety of other groups.

“The only person that was really against the bill was my mom,” McWaters said.

But that was before he encountered 19 other senators who voted against his bill. Some said their constituents would be up in arms over it.

“This bill is likely to be a looming cloud over our mature population in the state,” said Sen. Dick Black, R–Loudoun, who is 69. “I think it would be something that constantly is a worry to them. Every time we take away the right of mobility from senior citizens, what we’re doing is placing the obligation on the state of Virginia to move them around. You’re going to instill a great deal of fear among your constituents.”

And others took it perhaps a bit more personally.

“All you whippersnappers in here who vote for this bill, your time is coming,” said Sen. Dick Saslaw, D–Fairfax, who is 73.

The final vote on McWaters’ bill was 19–19, with Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam casting the tie-breaking no vote.

A House version of the bill has had a much easier time. It passed through committee without a single no vote, and is currently on the calendar for a full House vote this week.

Source: Fredericksburg.com

How old is too old to drive?

January 22, 2014, by Bryan Polcyn.

Journal Times editorial: Proposal to test senior drivers’ vision is reasonable

January 07, 2014 – The Journal Times Editorial Board

Many people have had the awkward, tense experience of sitting down with an aging mom and dad and starting up the discussion about driving.

It usually doesn’t go well. People of driving age don’t want to be told they cannot drive.

But there comes a point when some people should get off the road.

As one way to help make roads safer, state Sen. John Lehman, D-Racine, recently proposed requiring elderly drivers to pass vision exams every four years instead of every eight.

In Wisconsin, drivers who have advanced beyond a probationary license must take a vision test every eight years to renew their driver’s licenses. Lehman’s proposal would change that to every four years for those 75 and older; they would have to pass a vision exam but would not have to retake a driving test, he said. They also could take the exam at their regular eye doctor, rather than visiting a state Division of Motor Vehicles location.

This proposal seems like a good compromise.

In the past, there have been proposals to require aging drivers to take mandatory driving tests. The problem with these tests is that they don’t necessarily show someone’s true ability because you could get so nervous and end up making a careless mistake.

Also, Lehman said, the cost for his proposal is minimal compared to one that would require more road tests.

Naturally, the proposal is not popular with everyone.

While AARP-Wisconsin didn’t take a position on the proposal, spokesman Jim Flaherty said that the organization in general “does not favor legislation that looks at drivers based solely on their age. Diminished capacity of driving is not necessarily linked to age,” according to a report in the Jan. 2 Journal Times.

We also have had reluctance to single out people based solely on age. Some 100-year-old drivers could easily out-drive their 40-year-old counterparts. Older drivers tend to take more precautions regarding when to drive and are less likely to drink and drive.

Yet seniors top the charts when it comes to fatal crashes, right next to young, inexperienced drivers.

We have strict laws here in Wisconsin for young drivers because of their inexperience.

While seniors have years of experience, they can face other challenges that should also be addressed.

With age, vision tends to diminish, pain or stiffness in the neck can make it harder to check for traffic, leg pain can make it harder to push on the gas or brake pedals and reaction time also slows.

No one should ever say: “You just turned 75, now hand over your license.” On the other hand, requiring eye tests every four years rather than eight years doesn’t seem heavy-handed.

Lehman’s proposal should be able to get bipartisan support. But, no matter what happens with this bill, we hope seniors, doctors and adult children alike don’t shy away from the tough discussions on driving. We would much rather see someone willingly hand over a license than be forced to give it up.

Source: The Journal Times