After news broke yesterday of a 92-year old man conducting his own personal demolition derby in a Wisconsin grocery store parking lot (watch the video below), many members are asking if the SAAQ should begin testing older drivers above a certain age to assess their capabilities.
According to the Wisconsin DMV, most senior drivers in the state who renew their license in person will be asked to undergo a basic vision test. They may also be required to submit a medical examination to determine if they have medical conditions which could make driving unsafe.
In Quebec there is no obligation for older drivers to pass driving exams however all permit holders above 75 years old receive a letter asking them to submit to a medical exam. Their physical condition and eyesight are then tested. The SAAQ does have the ability to restrict a person’s driving permissions given the results of the test.
According to the SAAQ, drivers aged 16-24 hold 10% of all permits but are implicated in 23% of accidents involving injury or death. People aged 75 and older hold 9% of permits and are implicated in 8% of accidents involving injury or death.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists in England says that implementing a driving exam for people aged 70 and over would be a bureaucratic nightmare with no improvement in road safety.
Given the aging baby-boomer population, it might be wise to at least revisit the medical exam rule and adjust to fit the changing needs of the population.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNL24T4gKQM
