Mandatory Periodic Driver Testing

[eds]

I would like to propose a bill to our State legislators which calls for mandatory periodic driver testing. It would go something like this:

Every three years you take a written and road driver test at Motor Vehicle. Just like when you were 16. If you have a clean driver record for that three year period, meaning zero MVAs, infractions, or points you are exempt. Even one infraction, points or not, even one MVA and you have to take the tests.

I am tired of people not obeying stop signs, speed limits, stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks, driver distractions, lack of headlights, and other things.

I drive the speed limit, +/- 5 MPH. Most times, I am dead on. Driver distractions are another problem. Its not just cell phones. I saw a driver and passenger having a conversation in the car in front of me. That normally is not an issue for most people, but these people were using sign language! So the driver is using both hands to sign as his car is weaving all over the place. I see people looking for who knows what in the back seat while driving. That's great. Keep looking where you're not going and you'll do just fine. :rolleyes:

Just the other day I saw a yellow Mustang drive through a stop sign and it happened so fast, if you blinked you'd have missed it.

I doubt people will go for this proposal. But one can dream.

[JohnH]

Not sure this would ever pass but increase the tickets for the offences and report all infractions to the insurance companies. That might help!

[CMNSNC]

There are a lot of people around the country who will buy insurance in order to get their cars registered. Once that is done, they cancel their insurance and go on their merry way. I put it up to the insurance companies to notify the MVD that this has been done and also to the MVD to make sure that new insurance has been purchased. Otherwise the cars should be seized until the cars are insured. This should also apply to those who have had their licenses revoked. This would be costly, but to those of us who do obey the law, it would be cheaper in the long run. Taking a license away does not prevent one from driving. If they drive another car, then that person should also be liable for any damages incurred unless the car was stolen.
Any other thoughts on this?

[JohnH]

On a similar note, I did see some mention of cases which were nolle in the RJ last week for people driving with suspended licenses.

[Marc Syrah]

I love my dad. He is 89 years old. Also, nearly blind in one eye.
I WILL NOT go anywhere with him unless I am driving.
Should he be re-tested for his Drivers license?
Hades YES!
He should Flunk and then I would have to get up at 3AM to take him to S&S...
:mad: :( :mad:

[RC12L4]

The problem with this, the elderly. When I lived in Florida the same type of proposal was put forth and the 65+ people had fits. Who cares about the 65+ folks? Politicians do because they are the age group that votes.

[rapuda]

Do you see all the laws being passed lately in regards to 16-17 year old drivers? It is a reaction to the many accidents that happened over the past year by that age group.
The only way tighter laws will ever pass for the elderly, will be when elderly drivers start making headlines like the 16 year olds did. Until someone gets killed, nothing will change.

[UNiRAC]

I love my dad. He is 89 years old. Also, nearly blind in one eye.
I WILL NOT go anywhere with him unless I am driving.
:mad: :( :mad:
I Agree MARC, That poor old man that clipped a car and almost killed 4 people at Broad and E. Main last thurs. afternoon was a wake-up call ! Stupid police blamed the 22 yr.old woman for trying to make a left into the Lock-shop or Bank of Amer.on East Main. I don't need to be a accident investigator to suspect that his Suburban was going to fast toward the Broad St. GREEN LIGHT !

Reminds me of the 74 Yr.old man that charged up a suburban hill and blew his horn at me as I meandered my 77 Celica through the 2 way STOP sign intersection. UNiBodies get TOTALED most suredly ! :eek: I thanked him for warning me of the impending collision , accepted a ticket for an alledged 'California Stop' and drove my T-Boned Celica 1 mile back home. So, I should have sued him because of his age/driving habits. But, I was in shock for quite some time. I think all parties for that accident should sue that sinial <sp> driver ! Especially if he has connections to gov't/services [P.D.]

[Chriss P]

I just took a driver safety course working for the DEP. I did realize some nice tips I have not picked up over the years I have been driving. Re-education can benefit all drivers except the girl sitting next to me smacking her gum and text messaging throughout the class.

[S_Meriden60]

It might make sense to have eye or retests at a certain age, say 70.
I think the real issue is enforcement. Hartford can pass all the new laws they want, without enforcement it's useless no matter what the age group we're talking about.

[RC12L4]

It might make sense to have eye or retests at a certain age, say 70.
I think the real issue is enforcement. Hartford can pass all the new laws they want, without enforcement it's useless no matter what the age group we're talking about.

No way will a politician single out the senior citizen age group. Like I said the seniors are the ones who vote and when they come out in force they will make or break a politician.

[Anna]

Laws are great, but unless you can stop teenagers from being impulsive and risk takers, tragedies will continue to happen. Rules won't save your life. Your judgement hopefully will. The kids that have been killled, broke the rules. It's just they way it is.
As far as the elderly driving, we had to sit my dad down at 70 and have a heart to heart. It was our responsibility to protect him as well as others. We took the car keys away. Heartbreaking? You bet. A Burden on us. You bet. Peace of mind. Priceless. There need to be laws that test people over 70 and families need to be proactive.

[Modica]

Laws are great, but unless you can stop teenagers from being impulsive and risk takers, tragedies will continue to happen. Rules won't save your life. Your judgement hopefully will. The kids that have been killled, broke the rules. It's just they way it is.
As far as the elderly driving, we had to sit my dad down at 70 and have a heart to heart. It was our responsibility to protect him as well as others. We took the car keys away. Heartbreaking? You bet. A Burden on us. You bet. Peace of mind. Priceless. There need to be laws that test people over 70 and families need to be proactive.
Why pick on teens? Some of the worst drivers I have encountered are middle age people with the cell phone held to their ear.

[Anna]

Modica,

I wasn't picking on teens. I have a few myself that I adore and one just got their license. (More wine please) I was refering to all the new laws that are being passed lately. They are all aimed at keeping teen drivers safe. I think the intentions are good. I don't think it will change much, that's all. I agree bad drivers are bad drivers reguardless of age. The two largest group of drivers getting in fatal accidents are the elderly and teenagers, I think.

[jma]

I love my dad. He is 89 years old. Also, nearly blind in one eye.
I WILL NOT go anywhere with him unless I am driving.
Should he be re-tested for his Drivers license?
Hades YES!
He should Flunk and then I would have to get up at 3AM to take him to S&S...
:mad: :( :mad:

Love him enough to take away his license! Will it suck to be the "bad guy"? You bet. I've been there for three relatives. It would suck more if their poor driving killed anyone. How many stories have we heard about an elderly driver going through a building, or driving through a crowd?? How many lives could be saved if we weren't so scared of hurting someone's feelings. I've told both my parents several times that I love them dearly, but when I feel their driving is a problem, the license goes. Don't wait until they're 85. Start talking about it while their driving is good.