TT, thanks for quoting that source. It makes my case very well, indeed. Here's a quote for you from your own source:
"The fatal accident frequency rate per mile is 3.0 times greater for drivers over 65 years of age than for drivers in the 30-55 age bracket" -- from page 2 (pg. 74 in study), paragraph 4 in the "discussion" section.
Hmmm... it does not bode well for 80+ year olds, if mere 65 year olds are 3 times as dangerous as 30-55 year olds behind the wheel. Too bad this study doesn't specifically study those over the age of 80. They group all "OVER 64" drivers into one group. I guess it was just too far-fetched to even consider that anyone would still be driving at 80.
I do note you are suggesting increased scrutiny on a group of persons of which you are not a part. The laws-for-someone-else-syndrome I call it.
TT, go back and read my posts again. You are mis-quoting me. I specifically said that ALL drivers should be re-tested more frequently, not just OLDER or YOUNGER drivers. YOU seem to think that re-testing would affect older drivers more than younger drivers. Also, please note that I specifically suggested changing the tests to measure things like impulsive behavior, and judgement calls that younger drivers are not likely to fare well on. I was trying to be even more fair than the researchers in that study of yours.
Rather than going after a specific age group based on your personal test case of one, and in order have the largest impact on accident statistics in all age groups, make the demonstrable proficiency of the entire DL population higher. How about doing a 4 wheel skid recovery? Or, control of vehicle under maximum braking effort? Or, a high speed chicane?
These kind of skills are likely to be needed just prior to an accident event, and proficiency of the skills could minimize or avoid the accident itself.
Again, go back and read my previous posts. I recommended making the tests more stringent as well, including judgment calls that younger people probably would not be as capable of making as older folks. I happen to think that you have made some excellent suggestions for tests.
In essence, I feel your scrutiny on a very small population of accident contributors is driven more by revenge than actual concern about the overall accident rate. If you want the most bang for your buck, don't fix the corner cases, apply a fix to the entire population.
I should have expected that older people would take this too personally, and not been objective. However, I never would have thought that you would, TT. Based on prior experience, I thought you, of all the people on this forum, would have been objective and analytical and would have actually read my suggestions and your own quoted source carefully before commenting on them here.
Yes, I proudly proclaim that I believe that people in their 80's getting behind the wheel of an automobile or handlebars of a motorcycle as dangerous in itself. It is just plain ludicrous! Simple common sense dictates that at such extreme ages, anyone who is qualified to drive is the exception, rather than the rule. Yes, no doubt part of my perception is based on the reality of my personal experience and observation, but the results of the study you have quoted certainly bear out my hypothesis.
