Should older Tenn. drivers have to take more tests?

Should older Tenn. drivers have to take more tests?

By GENE PATTERSON
6 News Anchor/Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- Earlier this year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommended that states raise the minimum driving age from 16 to 17 or 18-years-old.

But what about older drivers? Should additional testing for seniors who drive after a certain age be required?

6 News conversations with people about this subject led to Lois Kelly, an East Knoxville resident and nearly lifelong driver, who happens to be 100-years-old.

"I've been driving since the 30's," she said.

She drives just about every day: to the store, to church on Sundays and to the John O'Conner Center for her weekly workouts.

Lois says she drives close to home and only during the day and thinks she's a pretty good driver.

"Old people drive real good, too," she said. "Old people drive alright too, don't we?"

Certainly for a 100-year-old, Lois' driving is remarkable. But is she the exception or the rule?

Safety experts say by the year 2030, 25 percent of all traffic fatalities will involve someone over age 65.

The question is, should officials decide who can and can't drive? 6 News went to Certified Driving Rehab Specialist Kristy Clark for some answers.

"A lot of what I'm seeing with the elderly driver is either visual changes or changes in sensation caused by diabetes or slowing of cognitive skills associated with the aging process," Clark said.

That slowing of cognitive skills is why many senior drivers drive so slow, Clark said.

As a person ages, the brain can't keep up with the fast pace, so it slows. Some seniors say they drive slow because they're safe drivers, but Clark says, for most seniors, the reality is, they can't handle faster speeds.

"Elderly drivers, I've found though, have really good judgement, because they don't like to drive when there's a lot of people on the road," Clark said.

"They drive between 10 and 2 normally and they try to avoid areas that aren't well lit. They're good at judging what they can and can't handle."

But when seniors aren't able to show good judgement, taking away the license is sometimes necessary and always difficult.

Clark said seniors go through a grieving process and fear they may become burdens to their families.

Despite the possible pitfalls, Clark isn't in favor of mandatory testing for those over 65. She sees that as discriminatory.

Aging, Clark believes, is very individual and many thrive. Her best example? She says watch the news.

"Mr (John) McCain is running right now, and he's elderly and he's doing great," she said. "He's extremely healthy and independent and very well thinking."

Clark said she wouldn't be opposed to vision tests, but everyone should have to take them.

There are states that require vision tests after a certain age. Georgia mandates that people  over 64 take eye tests. Florida requires those over 80 to take eye tests for license renewals.

If you or someone you know is uncertain about continuing to drive, contact Kristy Clark at (865)-541-1958 for an appointment.

Also, AAA offers classes in driving for seniors. Safe Driving for Mature Operators is a two-day clinic. The next class is set for December 3 and 4 at the Frank Strang Center. For information call (865)-670-6693.