Comments on: Elderly Van Driver Crashes Into Helicopter Outside Local Hospital

By: EMD

EMD — Thu, 18 May 2023 02:21:19 +0000

Just wait until you get to be eighty. All drivers need to know that many people develop cataracts as they age and high beam headlights are blinding to them. Many seem to have no concept of when to dim their lights. Even driving behind someone with your high beams on is very distracting. There are MANY bad drivers and there are age impaired drivers, so testing seems better that a blanket ban.And, how about eighty year olds at the wheel of a major country? That could lead to world wide disaster. Couldn’t it? Just a thought. Impairment can happen at any age.

By: Willis

Willis — Thu, 18 May 2023 00:49:33 +0000

Yall sure can make it sound simple.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 17 May 2023 22:31:17 +0000

In his defense, the parking at Sacred Heart is always crowded and the design is confusing and he may have been in the midst of an incredibly stressful situation which is often the case when you’re going to the hospital.

Also, people are constantly aggressive with older drivers who might need more space and a little kindness on the road. Until we have satisfactory public transportation the first people who should lose the right to drive are able bodied young people who can easily walk and ride bicycles. And rich people shouldn’t be allowed to own automobiles since they can afford to use Uber.

By: Soobee

Soobee — Wed, 17 May 2023 22:24:20 +0000

I would not have a problem with driving tests for all every 5 years up to age 70 then more frequently after that. It is ridiculous to get to a 3 or 4 way stop and see how many have no idea who should go. Usually it’s younger drivers, not the elderly.

Moving over for merging traffic if safe, moving over for any one stopped on the edge of the interstate if safe, common courtesy, parking in regular spots without hogging the line, NO PARKING ZONES, TURN SIGNALS… It ’s all simple driving but so many don’t have any idea on road rules at all. Some delivery drivers are the worst. Parking in handicap spaces, drive throughs, blocking the doors and always in a hurry.

I also agree that if someone has an accident such as this, maybe have their knowledge, vision and mental status possibly reviewed. It really is a shame that many elderly folks have no one but their spouse to help them so they do the best they can but it’s not always safe.

By: Me

Me — Wed, 17 May 2023 22:24:17 +0000

Okay so I’ll admit, 70 might be a little too young for yearly exams. Perhaps only those at fault should have to re-examine. That should probably go for younger folks too that have multiple at fault accidents within a given time frame. I don’t believe my perspective would change too much with age. As I get older I accept that my reflexes are slower than they once were and my eyesight isn’t what it once was. Young people don’t have the experience and good judgment to be safe drivers and the older people get the more their body fails them. There’s probably some leak age of driving ability out there but who knows. My point was, when someone isn’t able to tell the difference between a helipad and a parking space a little oversight might be in order.

By: Captain Willard

Captain Willard — Wed, 17 May 2023 17:59:37 +0000

I agree with Safebear and @Me, The worst Drivers are under the age of thirty. There are many older drivers who don’t have family support or cab fare. If they wreck, check them out but leave the rest of old people alone.

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 17 May 2023 17:43:01 +0000

I’ve lived in Florida from Escambia County to The Keys. The stories are always the same. An elderly driver hitting the wrong pedal. Losing control of their vehicle. Plowing into to front of businesses/homes. In one instance, a geriatric driver got confused and drove down a golf cart path, hitting a cart head on and killing the two golfers. Cognitive abilities decline with age. So di reaction times. So does eyesight, especially at night. While I’m sure there are exceptions and others claim “I’m fine” – the truth is – you are not. The body count and avoidable accidents are the evidence. Pointing to youthful accidents is not a defense. A large portion of those are the result of youthful inexperience/foolishness.
At age 70, a mandatory assessment is a good idea. Claiming a “logistical nightmare” is a lame excuse. Just do it. Be safe.

By: Interested Party

Interested Party — Wed, 17 May 2023 16:50:02 +0000

In think annual driving tests starting at 70 is a great idea. There are many people age 70 who are way better drivers than people age 30, but it’s needs to start somewhere, and I’d rather see it start at age 70 when it’s not needed than wait until later or until there’s an incident and someone is seriously injured or killed. I’m not that far from 70 and consider myself a good driver, but I’d do it.

By: anne

anne — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:57:10 +0000

That man can’t be “right”. Everyone knows that a helicopter is not something to drive near. If you are confused you should stop the car, not keep driving hoping for a miracle.
Many children are afraid to speak to their parents about giving up driving because it may mean they will have to help them by driving them where they need to go. Aging happens to everyone. A class after turning 70yrs would be very beneficial. Information on using vans or the bus lines near home & door-to-door services are available but we need to be taught what and where they are.

By: FAA motorcycle cop

FAA motorcycle cop — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:55:08 +0000

That would make for an interesting conversation with an auto insurance company. “You ran into a helicopter?”