Mandatory driver's licence testing after a certain age?

[Puddles]

There has been a lot of talk about mandatory testing for senior drivers in FL. I am absolutely for it. I wouldn't even mind if everyone was tested once every 10 yrs. (seniors more often) because many people are not capable drivers.

Sunday night I was stopped at a red light for a good 30 seconds then got slammed into from behind by an elderly man. It had just gotten dark and he should not have been on the road if he can't see at night. My husband and daughter were not hurt but I was slightly with the whiplash effect on my neck and some pain in my lower back. I was taken to the hospital but get this load of shit...the police didn't issue the other driver a ticket because there was no vissible damage to my car! I have a Honda Accord which basically has a rubber bumper so it bounces back after being pushed in. My insurance adjuster looked underneath and there are some brackets that are out of allignment and he said the foam under the bumper will need to be replaced. Great, at least it should be less than my $500 deductible.

So, Yoda (my daughter said that's what the old man looked like) gets away with no points on his licence. He of course was driving a big ass tank of a car that pushed my car forward a good foot causing my car to nearly hit the car in front of me. This guy can go around hitting cars made like mine and not get his licence taken away because there's no visible damage to the car.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

My back hurts, hubby's away for a week, my full time employee is on paternity leave, so I'm stuck at work through to Sunday. Not the best timing for this. I can't get into the doctor or for a massage until next week because I can't take any time off work. Stupid old Yoda man!

[beefcake]

That sounds like straight bullshit. He hit your car plain and simple. That's a failure to stop ticket right there no matter what. Sounds more like corrupt law enforcement. I've heard many stories about how old people say, oh, I thought it was the brake. Good god. Few months ago, some old ass was coming out of a parking lot and didn't even look my way as I was coming down the road, fucker almost hit me if I hadn't swerved into the other lane. And he kept on going like nothing. I think they should have pink license plates for seniors so we know who not to drive next to. I think they should be tested again. Odd thing is that seniors get the best insurance rates.

[decadecadeca]

You should have gotten a written report with dispo number from the Officer who worked the scene, especially if anyone involved required medical attention.

[Puddles]

There was a police report and the other driver did accept responsibility however, NO TICKET was written, no fine to be paid, no points on his record.

Fuck, if it was a young person slamming into an old person they'd have probably been tested for DUI.

[decadecadeca]

Get that report to your insurance agent and push the issue. The driver at fault should be responsible for any expenses you've incurred, medical, auto, lost work etc...

[Puddles]

My insurance provides me with 100% medical up to 10k so that's good. They already called me and explained how to do stuff with them. Mon. I go to the doc for evaluation and a script for massage therapy, Tues I have an appt for the massage. I hope the pain is just tender muscles and not anything worse.

[Jordan]

if its decided that seniors have to get tested after a certain age, governments absolutely have to offer discounted bus fair or subsidize taxi costs. for alot of seniors, their cars are there only means for independence, without them alot of them would be totally screwed... it definately is a good idea to have mandatory testing tho

[Puddles]

I'm willing to bet that a law such as this will never get passed. Why? Because who in FL spends the most on new cars? SENIORS! Who helps fund local political campaigns? Major car dealership owners.

[Puddles]

This is also the 2nd time that a senior citizen hit me when I was already stopped at a light.

[bad14u]

I would like to see seniors tested every year after a certain age...not only for their ability to drive but also have their eyes tested as well as hearing. Nothing worse than sitting behind some old F'er that can't see the green light and can't hear your horn!!!

I personally think that EVERYONE should be tested every five years, for driving, eyesight and hearing.

Also...Puddle if you need me to come rub your back since Stromba is gone...you just let me know!!! ;)

[Puddles]

I think a lot of the problem with older drivers is the medication situation. Many of them are so loaded up with shit they can't think clearly, warning labels all over their script bottles about driving and opperating machinery, they take multiple pills daily, and they're allowed to drive!

Bad1, I have a few girlfriends coming over tonight and we're going in the hot tub and I'll get massaged. Thanks for the offer though. I'm seriously hurting. :(

[bad14u]

I think a lot of the problem with older drivers is the medication situation. Many of them are so loaded up with shit they can't think clearly, warning labels all over their script bottles about driving and opperating machinery, they take multiple pills daily, and they're allowed to drive!

Bad1, I have a few girlfriends coming over tonight and we're going in the hot tub and I'll get massaged. Thanks for the offer though. I'm seriously hurting. :(

There are a bunch that aren't medicated but can't see over the steering wheel. Glad to hear you will be taken care of...just wish I lived next door last night! That would have been nice to watch!:P