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cranky rant
Jul. 18th, 2003 09:09 amAs people undoubtedly have heard, an older driver recently drove through a farmers’ market in Santa Monica, killing 10 people and injuring 45. Yesterday a 74-year-old driver pulled an illegal U-turn in San Jose and was T-boned by a trolley. Fortunately no one else was killed.
In 1998, a 90-something driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and killed a small child. He hadn’t had a behind-the-wheel test since before 1920.
Legislators rightfully responded with outrage and proposed more testing past a certain age.
Immediately, AARP and other geezer lobbies swung into action. “That’s age discrimination!” “In California, you have to drive to get errands done. Are you in favor of eliminating seniors’ lifelines?” “You’re trying to isolate the elderly!” “How dare you even suggest such a thing! You are a terrible person!”
The bill was first drastically watered down, then killed.
As the baby boom ages, this sort of tragedy will become a common occurrence, unless lawmakers show some responsibility.
Teenagers are constantly told that driving is a privilege, not a right. That’s why they have to take driver’s education and get probationary licenses. We don’t allow 8-year-olds to play with handguns.
Cars are deadly weapons in incompetent hands. Their continued use should require proof of mental and physical acuity.
In 1998, a 90-something driver hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and killed a small child. He hadn’t had a behind-the-wheel test since before 1920.
Legislators rightfully responded with outrage and proposed more testing past a certain age.
Immediately, AARP and other geezer lobbies swung into action. “That’s age discrimination!” “In California, you have to drive to get errands done. Are you in favor of eliminating seniors’ lifelines?” “You’re trying to isolate the elderly!” “How dare you even suggest such a thing! You are a terrible person!”
The bill was first drastically watered down, then killed.
As the baby boom ages, this sort of tragedy will become a common occurrence, unless lawmakers show some responsibility.
Teenagers are constantly told that driving is a privilege, not a right. That’s why they have to take driver’s education and get probationary licenses. We don’t allow 8-year-olds to play with handguns.
Cars are deadly weapons in incompetent hands. Their continued use should require proof of mental and physical acuity.
