Older drivers are hardly the problem

Regarding Gary Stein’s Aug. 13 column on testing older drivers:

For over 40 years, since I first joined the Aging and Disability Resource Center staff, my advocacy for older Americans has been perpetual and recognized. When driving ability is considered, I remain proactive, for good drivers of any age.

When I travel to the office at 5:30 a.m., it’s not elder drivers who cut in and out of traffic. Many do not signal, while others indicated they’re changing lanes at the very second the action occurs. Screeching brakes are a constant auditory reminder.

Speed limits, even on side streets, are ignored by a multitude of people, and too often I can detect cellphones and other devices hanging from the ears or hands of the drivers. Again, from what I view, the person in charge of driving visually doesn’t fit the older American’s description.

Of course, if an individual of any age has vision or hearing impairment, a physician and/or a family member should employ persuasion or mandates to keep a driver from getting behind the wheel, but age should not be the determining factor.

A bad driver, at age 25, probably will have a ticket record for a multitude of years until the golden age initiates. This individual warrants a considerable amount of observation as time passes.

I commend you for your interest in establishing and perpetuating rules of driver safety, and would welcome the opportunity to explore driving records of any age group you determine, but let’s start with the young and move forward to the more mature generations as a follow-up.

Edith Lederberg is executive director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County, in Sunrise.