Our seniors are treasures, but many are not the best drivers.

Driving Old

I get it, seniors think "I've been driving my whole life" and that somehow makes them more capable. I'm asking you to put down your cane and quit shaking your fist for one moment. I'm not that old, but old enough that I get AARP mailers saying, "Soon".  I know that after a hard life I'm a bit busted up and maybe lost a half-step (I want to say, "Less than a quarter-step" but I'll just go with it). My vision certainly isn't what it used to be and there are a lot of distractions in cars that didn't use to be there.

Texas Senior Driving Age

In Texas, seniors have to renew their driver's license every two years once they hit age 85. Drivers over 79 have to get a vision test and a medical evaluation. So, laws are in place, they're just way too far down the road (pun not intended). I've heard far too many driving stories start with, "This old lady..." or "This old man..." followed by some near wreck experience.

Don't Make It Personal

What would it hurt to drop that age to at least 70? Do you think seniors would be gracious enough to understand? I'm sure the answer is, "no", but I feel like we have to try. It's a fact that no matter how practiced you are at something, there is a certain age when you slow down a bit. Wouldn't you want to know if you were endangering other people?

I'm Going To Step Up

You may not believe this, but the people who know me know that I'll do it. I hereby promise to keep a close watch on my driving skills as I age. I am aware that my knees and joints already don't function like they used to, so my reaction time and mental acuity may be at risk as well. I hope others will realize when it's time to re-evaluate if they should be behind the wheel.

Read More: Is it ever illegal to drive too slow? 

Read More: Fair or biased? Seniors may have to take a driving test in Texas.