Though cars and other vehicles are associated with a sedentary lifestyle, the fact is that automotive vehicles do require a certain degree of physical fitness. True, it will not be the kind of fitness that allows you to run marathons and scale Mt. Everest. However, certain physical factors like eyesight and reaction time do make a big difference, especially when driving down a busy road. Car insurers know this very well, as is shown in many insurance policies. For instance, you will probably have to pay a higher premium if you have some deficiency in your eyesight.
Poor eyesight might appear to be one reason why, during many measuring periods, older people tend to account for a disproportionately high amount of the fatalities in car accidents. However, related statistics suggest that the elderly are probably more sinned against than sinning. Usually, it is the elderly person who is hit by a younger driver, rather than the other way around. While some older people may be impaired by eye or coordination issues, younger people can be impaired by recklessness, lack of experience, distraction, etc.
Still, older people can be very vulnerable to the reckless behavior of others, since their slower reaction time can prevent them from avoiding an accident. Furthermore, the generally weaker health of the elderly can mean that, in the event of an accident, injuries to an older person are more dangerous and difficult to recover from. Being in good general health can mean that, should you (no matter what your age) happen to be near a drunk driver at the wrong time, you may not come out of the incident too badly.
Even so, physical problems aren't the only ones older people have to worry about in terms of driving automotive vehicles. Dementia in drivers over 85 or so can be an issue: some of those who drive very badly believe (despite all evidence to the contrary) that they still drive well. Of course, there are some drivers in this age bracket who really do drive well. In Massachusetts, there was a move to force older drivers to undergo additional road testing, partially in order to safeguard against elderly drivers with dementia and "illusions" about their driving skills. However, can we not say that there is something ageist about this move? After all, younger people can have illusions about their driving skills, as well. Perhaps additional testing should be undergone by everyone, not just the elderly. Also, license renewal might be required at more frequent intervals—no matter the age of the applicant.
Whatever issues older people may or may not have, good general health is still a valuable asset when driving on busy roads. This way, they may combine their maturity and experience with the ability to sharply monitor their surroundings and respond quickly to what is happening on the road. Instead of being considered a liability, older people can get more respect from drivers—both from others on the road, and from those who make legislation about automobiles.
Poor eyesight might appear to be one reason why, during many measuring periods, older people tend to account for a disproportionately high amount of the fatalities in car accidents. However, related statistics suggest that the elderly are probably more sinned against than sinning. Usually, it is the elderly person who is hit by a younger driver, rather than the other way around. While some older people may be impaired by eye or coordination issues, younger people can be impaired by recklessness, lack of experience, distraction, etc.
Still, older people can be very vulnerable to the reckless behavior of others, since their slower reaction time can prevent them from avoiding an accident. Furthermore, the generally weaker health of the elderly can mean that, in the event of an accident, injuries to an older person are more dangerous and difficult to recover from. Being in good general health can mean that, should you (no matter what your age) happen to be near a drunk driver at the wrong time, you may not come out of the incident too badly.
Even so, physical problems aren't the only ones older people have to worry about in terms of driving automotive vehicles. Dementia in drivers over 85 or so can be an issue: some of those who drive very badly believe (despite all evidence to the contrary) that they still drive well. Of course, there are some drivers in this age bracket who really do drive well. In Massachusetts, there was a move to force older drivers to undergo additional road testing, partially in order to safeguard against elderly drivers with dementia and "illusions" about their driving skills. However, can we not say that there is something ageist about this move? After all, younger people can have illusions about their driving skills, as well. Perhaps additional testing should be undergone by everyone, not just the elderly. Also, license renewal might be required at more frequent intervals—no matter the age of the applicant.
Whatever issues older people may or may not have, good general health is still a valuable asset when driving on busy roads. This way, they may combine their maturity and experience with the ability to sharply monitor their surroundings and respond quickly to what is happening on the road. Instead of being considered a liability, older people can get more respect from drivers—both from others on the road, and from those who make legislation about automobiles.
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