Some senior drivers argue for tougher DMV testing
Q I expect to turn 70 next year and will have to renew my driver’s license in person at the DMV for the first time in many years.
I endorse this requirement and will be happy to take a road test if that also becomes mandatory. Rather than complaining about age discrimination and pointing out our strengths, we seniors should take the lead in making roads safer. So what if other age groups also contain risky drivers?
Bill Hickman Orinda A I love your attitude. While age is not a good indicator of driving skills for seniors, a road test every few years and mandatory classes such as those AARP offers should be required. Q As I approach that magical age of 70, I don’t complain about being retested.
However, I do disagree on the type of test. A person may have the mental capacity to take and pass a written test, but that does not make them qualified to drive. It is more important to give the road test so reflexes and driving habits can be evaluated. How many 90-year-old drivers who have passed a written test have run into buildings or people by not reacting fast enough, or mistaking the gas pedal for the brake? Harvey Oxman Walnut Creek
A Mistaking the gas pedal for the brake is a leading cause of crashes among older drivers. Q This is a sensitive subject. For seniors who have a license and are adamant that they are capable of driving, who decides whether they can or should renew their license? A senior we know well and care about does not want to listen to the family, and the physician will not take away the license. What do we do with seniors who believe they are still capable of driving and navigating streets and highways and are unwilling to use public transportation or other solutions? L.S. Redwood City
A Here’s a tip: File a report with DMV’s Senior Ombudsman program. You must leave your name with the DMV but can request that it remain anonymous.
There are four ombudsmen located in California. The primary function of the program is to be a “gobetween” to ensure that senior drivers are treated fairly, consistent with laws and regulations, and with the dignity and respect they deserve, says the DMV. Ombudsmen are available at:
Bay Area: 510-5638998 n
Northern California: n 916-657-6464
Orange/San Bernardino/San n Diego: 714705-1588
Los Angeles/Oxnard: n 310-615-3552 Q Oh, please, Mr. Roadshow, tell us senior citizens who don’t commute anymore: What is a “Waze”? Janet Andrews Walnut Creek A Sure. But first, consider yourself lucky to be out of the commuting world.
Waze is a mobile application, or “app” for short, that drivers load onto their smartphone to help them bypass traffic and accidents and find the fastest route to where they’re going. The app provides free turn-by-turn GPS navigation based on conditions of the road.