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  • Essay / Solutions to help older drivers maintain their license

    Massachusetts residents can freely obtain a driver's license from a young age. A future driver can apply for a license at the age of fifteen, then receive their license a year later. However, after years of driving, what happens when that same resident turns sixty-five or older? According to Massachusetts state law, any person is allowed to retain their license after the age of seventy-five (Repa). In recent times, older people have been involved in serious road accidents, causing a split among supporters of older drivers. Older drivers may have difficulty keeping their eyes on the road due to poor vision or other conditions that can occur with age. Many people in Massachusetts do not want seniors to have their licenses taken away early, even if they show no signs of poor health. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Massachusetts residents, in favor of older residents keeping their licenses, insist older drivers should simply overcome what is assumed about their age, so that their abilities speak for themselves. They believe that if age is cited as a reason why someone loses their license, age discrimination comes into play. In car safety expert Kathleen Doheny's 2015 article, "Assessing Elderly Drivers: Ability Means More than Age”, she points out that: Experts know, for example, which age-related changes most compromise driving and what can be done to compensate for them. A variety of driving assessments, both in and out of the car, are available online and from specialists. Some states even step in to monitor older drivers, reducing the time between license renewals. (Doheny)Doheny emphasizes that, in the case of older drivers, measures are taken to reduce driving difficulties. For example, more courses, assessments, etc. are given to the driver so that he retains his license. Massachusetts residents who believe that maintaining a driver's license as a senior and having your license revoked should be a last effort and not an automatic event at a certain age. This argument also states that when deciding when an older person should stop driving, consideration must be given to the individual's undetected health problems, most often not due to their age (Doheny). State residents can support the idea that no one should have their driver's license revoked solely because of their age. Through extensive research, everyone can see that it is inevitable to take away traditional independence, such as driving, from someone who has enjoyed this freedom for years. This argument takes care to take into consideration the realistic expectations of daily drivers, regardless of age. This may include basic health issues, such as being able to see with or without glasses, or getting regular checkups from their doctor (Repa). Furthermore, another position in this critical debate believes that older people should actually benefit from stricter laws regarding their driver's licenses. There should be an age limit for a Massachusetts resident to maintain their license. When a person reaches the age of sixty-five or older, they should have routine examinations based on their driving habits. Otherwise, their license should be withdrawn for the sake of their safety..