Originally Posted by
StephenH
Something else that I'll point out- you wonder how people like this could still be licensed. First off, there's not much of an effort to revoke licenses of bad drivers. But also, most older drivers that maybe shouldn't be on the road, also are aware of the situation, will drive as little as they can, will stay on side roads instead of the freeway, won't drive at night or in the rain, keep the speed down, etc. So maybe the accidents-per-mile may go up, but accidents-per-person don't necessarily.
I'll relay another little tidbit while i'm thinking about it.
I used to work for a businessman that lives in Greenwich, NY, and drives most days the 25 miles or so each way to work his business in Albany.
He's about 75 now, maybe near 80,.....and when he was 16 suffered an industrial chemical explosing into his face that left him totally blind in one one, and the other with injury and decreased sight. Over the years the one eye has grown progressively worse, and over the last 10 years this business owner can't recognize a customer at the counter unless he's just a few feet away, or hears his voice.
The last several DMV eye exams he's avoided because he has a doctor friend who signs off on him, but by any stretch he's legally blind in the one eye remaining with any activity.
He's a multi millionaire several times over, so i suppose he gets special treatment. But he leaves work in the fall thru winter early, because he can't see AT ALL after dark on the road. He has to get home before sundown as any glare from a setting sun totally blinds him. Needless to say his depth perception is for crap!
He has traveled the same route to work and back for over 40 years, but will not venture out onto unfamiliar roads. For those he has his wife drive, or a friend at times.
I suspect HE is not the only old driver driving with a status that would be fair to say is "legally blind", that if you have money and the right friends can hang onto their license much longer than they should.
......another reason i ride the sidewalk. HE'S NOT ALONE!