My thoughts and prays to the little 7yr olds family..

Hey JBurk - no need to be a dick about it

J Burk if you can't say anything nice, than don't say anything at all. The lady made a comment, so accept it. I would think the same thing. If you want to rant and rave about dumb things than tell it to yourself.

I'm with j burke. Posts about how "I was just there an hour before" are just one more effin' way people find to say, "It's all about me!" -- even after a tragedy involving strangers. M. Garza's post is completely pointless. And so is your empty platitude about "saying anything nice," r. mead. At least burke's post actually has something so say. Yours is the most boring and sanctimonious of all these.

Hey Jburk, the OP was merely stating that had her own day been an hour off, it might have changed completely and that sometimes bad things make you stop and put your daily life back in perspective.

It's called "reflection." Perhaps you need some of that yourself, instead of trolling.

There's was a similar accident that happen in Thornton, Colo (suburb of Denver). A 36 year old woman had a seizure while driving a large suv and ran a red light, hit a car, went airborne and landed on top of a small pickup with a family of 5 inside and they were all killed. She was tried in court and found not guilty, can you believe that!!! That old guy should be held responsible for that little girls death.

@J Burk - Time to change your name to 'B a Jurk'

I'm thinking a lot of things are lost on you... perspective, reflection, sarcasm, intelligence...

I know how you feel. I went into a club once and I saw an empty bar stool so I decided to sit there. All of a sudden, from the left, came another guy and took it before I did. An hour later he was walking out of the club with the hot blonde that was sitting next to him. If only I had walked a little faster.

Condolences to the family.

j burk - Timing IS everything.

The Universe around us seems to understand that... you seem to have a problem with this including a very limited capacity to think outside of the box.

lajo, I completely agree. This old man with the diabetic shock should be jailed. Going into shock (i.e. going into a coma) while driving is illegal - he should know better! Word of advice to everyone: next time you think about going into shock, stop and think about what you're about to do! After all, you can decide not to go into a coma you know.

@EggsCalibur: I am so sorry for your loss...condolences

whoa steve/denver dont go behind yourself a few comments down and try to present your callus response in a different light.... i agree with your smooth over, people that could pass out while behind the wheel should either not drive or hold their privilege of vehicle operation to emergencies... you on the other hand with your "holier than thou attitude" need to learn to hold your tongue "practice restraint" "have mercy with your opinions".......... you are callus and rude.... give us all a break with your thoughtless words

I do think it is sad. Yes, people with disabilities and the elderly you don't want to take away their privileges and rights but what about the rights of the innocent bystanders? If you have a disability that may impaire your driving or when you get to be a certain age I do NOT feel that it is discrimination to have them take a road test yearly to check on their driving skills. Just makes precautionary sense and safety to the public. I have seen too many senseless accidents, when is is going to stop?

They don't seem to think it's discrimination to charge outrageous car insurance on the younger crowd. My son is a good, responsible drive yet he pays a high deductible for insurance. Why? Because he is a "male" under 25. So because of other you irresponsible drivers, HE has to pay the high deductible as well, but that's not discrimination, yet asking an elderly person to take a driving test for safety is??

All I have to say is that my heart goes out to the family that lost the 7 year old little girl. I feel so sorry for her as her life was ripped away too early, just so sad and so senseless.

First and formost my prayers go out to the families of the accident victims. I am also praying for the driver because they will have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for this loss of life. (@VT Mother) However, just because someone has a disability or is elderly does not mean they should automatically lose their license or be subject to yearly test from the drive safety office at DMV. It is not stated in the news that this driver had previously loss consciousness due to their medical condition. Many people have diabetes etc for decades and never have. This may have been the first time in which case it is a tragic accident that was unforseeable. If someone is unsafe to drive a physician is obligated to report them to DMV. Friends and family have a moral obligation to report them or anyone who is unsafe behind the wheel. This can be done annonomously online to DMV and the person will be tested and or have their driving priviledges revoked automatically. Until the driver provides medical records to counter the accusations and passes the test(s) they are not allowed to drive. As someone who has gone through this process, due to a Doctor I had seen once confusing my medical info with someone elses and writing incorrect information on the DMV report page, I have little tolerance for people who make snap judgements/assumption regarding those with medical conditions or the elderly. It was a drawn out process to get my license back once reported as having a "disability" that may make me unsafe to drive. Due to bias against Multiple Sclerosis based on a single study, that included less than 100 people and proved that those with MS who have vehicular accidents are more likely to injured themselves or be injured in an accident than to injure other drivers, MS is listed as a disease that can be subject to losing your driving priviledges. In the study it noted non-disabled drivers are more likely to injure those with MS and have more accidents. Your under 25 male son is statistically more likely to be the cause of a traffic accident or fatality, which would cause the injury to a disabled, elderly, or others. If your son is "responsible, good" there are plans that do not have higher deductibles. I have my son on one, shop around. So no he is not discriminated against. None the less the disability/age bias is here and being trumpeted by YOU. Males under 25 specifically and new drivers are responsible for a larger percentage of traffic accidents and fatalities than other group of drivers, according to Highway Patrol accident statistics. Hence the higher insurance prices on average, look the accident statistics up . So no, that is not discrimination, but forcing someone elderly or disabled to take the DMV test without just cause is discrimination. One day you too will be old or God forbid may be disabled; and if you have a spotless driving record and no unsafe incidents how fair/discriminatory is what you are suggesting going to feel to YOU??! I am 42 and have been driving for 26yrs without having an accident or being cited. There was no incident of unsafe driving. I had a boot on non- driving leg due to surgery (not MS related). Doctor cited right leg in document and asked for driving test. Instead DMV safety officer saw medical condition in record and wanted to revoke license without testing. License was suspended for 3 months until I was able to convince the safety office to test me. My regular doctor countered other Dr's statement and provided docs. I still had to test because it had been suspended. I passed but the process was stressful, time consuming, and limited my independence and ability to partake in daily activities. Once in the system you are subject to retesting at DMV's will and cannot get the suspension off your record. Removing this will be costly and involve lawyers. That is discriminatory. My point is anyone can be subject to the Drive test but do not subject someone to it arbitrarily. There are many unsafe drivers who should be tested. Make sure there is a real reason before you subject someone to this process. It is not without flaws or bias. Besides how many of the posters have even glanced at a DMV booklet since they had their license issued. Could you pass the written and an extended driving test?

In New York State if you have a seizure disorder, you MUST prove to the DMV that you have been seizure free for at least 6 months & it must be validated by a neurologist - NOT the family GP. I went through this with my oldest son. You'd be surprised at the amount of people who lie about their seizure activity. My fiancee lost a good friend's sister to a seizure, she had been having a lot of them & not telling anyone about them......Thank God she did NOT take anyone with her when she lost control of the wheel & slammed into a tree doing 50 mph!! Her family had a feeling she was having them, but as she lied to them how could they report her --- it's easy to say that you would turn in a family member or a parent or even your child, but are you really telling yourself the truth?? As an RN I ingrained the importance of health & consequences into all my kids & pray that they would do the right thing. I accompanied my son through the process of proving he had been seizure free for a year & while he was diagnosed with Grand Mal seizures, I also taught him about Petit Mal seizures & to always be truthful with his MD & the people around him so that everyone is aware. Even a Petit Mal will pull your focus off the road for precious seconds, especially in heavy traffic!

I agree, im 72 and gave up driving five years ago. Diabetes affect my feet, and I couldn't tell how hard I was pressing the gas pedal or the brake. Enough, accicent on the way to happen. How in the world did that old feller pass his driving test. Here they are mandatory at certain ages.

No. I agree with Steve.

I'm a type I diabetic. Have been since I was 10 years old. I do not drive, nor do I trust myself to drive just in case something like this does happen. I get tired of diabetes being used as an excuse because an EIGHTY FOUR year old man was driving. If you can't take care of your health and take care of yourself, then it should be considered negligence through a disease. If he was a Type II diabetic then his diet/health deteriorated enough for him to require insulin, which means he was NOT taking care of himself. He didn't belong behind a wheel.

We have a lower age limit on getting as license, we need an upper limit also. You can't drive before this age or after this one.

Mark.......Talk about somebody needing a bullet between their eyes!

Betty Bogart

You're phucking retarded, Steve. Shut the hell up until you have something intelligent to say.

and your comment was intelligent how exactly? If someone has a MEDICAL condition that causes them to pass out they really should not be driving. Simple as that.

Not that it's any of your business RC, but I take care of my kids and attend school. There's such a thing called public transportation. Perhaps you've heard of it? Or do you live in such a tiny world you don't have that?

I thinhk the right way to say it is, people with a known, controllable medical contidion should not be able to use that condition to justify causing a mishp. I could understand it if someone without a history of trouble had a stroke and crashed, but saying that someone with known diabetes might have had a problem is nothing but irresponsible behavior. If the elderly driver had a known meidcal conditon, controlling it or not driving was his responsibility.

A lot of people live in rural areas with no public transportation!

Does that make us second class citizens?

From what I witness quite frequently, age has very little to do with good driving habits.

I was recently cut off on the interstate by what appears to have been a 30 something year old driver, who in speeds exceeding 70 mph choose to slam on his brakes.

It was a miracle no one got hurt, and there wasn't a multiple car pileup.

Mandatory testing should be enforced at least every 5 years.

Safe enough for you, or were you just discriminating against the elderly?

Must be interesting to know a complete stranger's medical history. My mother died from diabetic coma. It happened with very little warning.

I am calling foul 2 ways on this one CaerRaven. I am diabetic myself and insulin dependant. I know damn well when a low blood sugar incident is coming on quite a bit before it starts affecting my motor skills. If I miss a shot in the morning or evening, my blood sugar doesn't skyrocket to the point that I pass out. It is going to be high, sure, but not dangerous in the short term.

I am so happy for you that you live in an area where there is public transportation available, subsidized by taxes, to take care of all your needs. Not all of us do, in fact most of us don't. Now if the world you want to live us has us all crammed into mega-metropolitan areas so we can all take public transportation to make you happy that some old man doesn't lose control behind the wheel for whatever reason, I stay in my "tiny world", thanks.

When will it stop? I knew a guy who died driving a semi a few years back from a massive heart attack in his 60's. He drove through a house and totally demolished it. He had a history of high blood pressure. Do we start taking licenses away for that too? How about red/green color blind. That could get interesting in areas where the traffic lights are horizontal and there are places in the US like that. Asthmatics? Heaven forbide they have an asthma attack while driving and start coughing behind the wheel.

I have had type I diabetes for 35+ years and have never had a problem with driving. It sounds like he either ignored his symptoms until it was too late or he has poorly controlled diabetes. RIP sweet child.

Disable Voter,

Apparently you've never heard of a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, Roller skates, carpooling, friends/neighbors, etc.?

I will agree, overall, drivers have gotten ruder and dumber in the past 10 years or so, but the worse drivers of all, not teens (because having a drivers license before 18 in my state, California, is a waste of time), it is the elderly. I've seen them cut off people, drive in two lanes for miles, stop dead- turn on their signal and turn (with no traffic whatsoever impeding them from just turning), drive so slow they caused an accident between a drivers trying to get around them. I've watched them drive through red lights. They are slower, their reactions are slower, they are flat out a dangerous group driving on our roads. And, they ought to be tested after a certain age, especially when they are medically diagnosed with certain diseases.

Driving is suppose to be a privilege, personally I think anyone who causes a major accident, gets a certain amount (and I'm talking three) speeding tickets in two years, receives even one DUI, is diagnosed with certain diseases, do not deserve to be on our roads with us. Period!

If this occurred because he did not take his meds, then what is the difference between him and someone drunk or on drugs? He was impaired, he chose to drive and he killed a child. Charge him just as you would any other impaired driver.

Anyone asking "How could this happen?" the answer is right in the beginning of the article... "84-year-old man." The real question should be "Why was this 84-year-old man with known medical issues that could cause impairment, driving in the first place?" It makes me so angry that some people think that their right to drive is more important than another person's life! No one is owed anything and while I respect my elders, I'm so tired of some seniors thinking that because their old, they are owed some special treatment or that their age excuses them from basic courtesy, rules and laws. Between his age and medical condition, he should have known it wasn't safe for him to drive and he should be charged with Vehicular Manslaughter!

My grandmother wasn't happy when we told her she couldn't drive anymore but because of her age and the early signs of Alzheimer's, it wasn't an option. The last thing she wanted was to give up her license but when asked how would she feel if she hurt or killed someone while driving, she understood that it was time to stop driving.

Why did this man's family allow him to drive? His daughter and family members that knew he was driving when in reality he shouldn't have been, are just as responsible for this little girl's death. I hope his freedom to drive (not right - it's a privilege!!), was worth this child's life!

John128 TY for your post, My Son's late Mother was diabetic from two years old, she always kept it under control with two shots a day, and yes I taught her how to drive, I can prove it,, I was putting cable chains on the front of our Passat, asked her to pull forward 2 feet, she backed over my right hand.

And one other thing, for some reason when I read the title of the article, I thought Texas, why would that happen?, yes college educated for 6 years , perhaps just weird things happen in Florida and Texas?

godspeed to the hurt and dead, sorry I was off topic previously, my apologies

Call foul all you want John but yes, I've been diabetic for nearly 20 some odd years. I do suffer from diabetic neuropathy through my own idiocy, lack of feeling in the feet and all. My own damn fault. It's why I do not drive.

IF you were truly a diabetic, you'd understand that the older you get the worse it gets. As someone pointed out we don't know this guys history, but if he was that brittle of a diabetic? He likely missed more than just one or two shots. Chances are he could have gone days without doing the proper amount of insulin which might have caused this. The person interviewed said he MAY have missed his shot, that's not saying they know for sure how many he missed, how many he has taken or what his sugars were at the time of the accident (since EMT's won't release that to the media). He could have been 40BS or he could have been 400+BS. Either way, people should not be hiding behind their illnesses and take responsibility. He was 84 years old and a diabetic. That is no excuse for a man to kill people. Do you always blame your issues on your diabetes?

put a bullet between his eyes and call it a day ,he should have never been behind the wheel in the first place

Sounds good. Just make sure you start with yourself first...

I just recently found out I have diabetes, I'm 50 and it runs in my family. My doctor suggested I join one of his group meetings with about 7 other diabetics (all of who were older than me). And at first I was hesitant to go, but I learned so much that I didn't know about the disease, mostly from listening to others. It's a complex disease that takes on many forms and has many symptoms and limitations, all different depending on each individual.

However, I would like to say, that it's also POSSIBLE (I don't know, I wasn't there) that the family of the driver is just using diabetes as an excuse. Because statistically speaking, many more accidents are caused by "senior" drivers than people with diabetes. Again, we don't know what happened, we're all just speculating and generalizing, but if this WAS age related, where the driver became confused and hit the gas instead of the brake (which we've heard about so many times) then I agree that there should be a test given when you reach a certain age, and repeated every two or three years. Some older folks can drive perfectly well into their 90's, but others just become a danger to themselves and everyone else around them.

This reminds me of a family friend. They were driving, and had been taking meds for their seizures. I believe he may have not taken it that one day, and he ended up driving his car straight into a telephone pole, killing him. You have to know your limitations and act accordingly. There are delivery services for the elderly now, or they could hire someone to go between places for them. I feel for them since he's in his 80s, and he doesn't want to lose his independence... but thanks to that, a 7 year old girl is dead, and several are hurt.

My own grandfather continued driving into his late 70's. One day he headed over to the grocery store, about 10 blocks away. He didn't come home so we went looking for him and couldn't find him anywhere. We called the police, they couldn't find him. The Highway Patrol finally located him, 187 miles west of our town sitting on the side of the interstate. Somehow he had gotten on the interstate, put the car on cruise control and forgot how to disengage the cruise. So he just drove west until he ran out of gas. That was the last time he ever drove a car. And we were lucky he wasn't hurt and he didn't hurt anyone else. The doctor said he'd had a mini-stroke, probably just after he left home.

Dead Eagle

i agree with steve. people don't realize the danger they put everyone in. the risk is too great. chronic heart disease, seizures, diabetics... it's their handy cap and they have to do more to survive, like calling a cab.... they should not operate machinery or guns. why should i have to take the risk of my child's life just because someone with a disability thinks they have a right to endanger others?

Anyone at almost any age can think they as as healthy as can be and still have a cerebral hemorrhage, a "mini-stroke" or a heart attack out of the blue.

I find all this talk about the dangers of medical conditions and agism silly in the face that we allow people to use cell phones in cars which have proven to be as risky as drunk driving. Car accidents caused by old age and disabilities are FAR outnumbered by those caused by cell phone use.

I think people should be tested more frequently as they reach majorly senior years and the testing requirements should require testimony from doctors and family members, but I think the heated comments about the danger driving while old or as a diabetic fly in the face of the dangers of cell phone use.

To reply specifically to Dead Eagle's position: Why should I have to risk my own or my child's life to the vanity and impatience of a cell phone user who refuses to pull over to take a call or text message?

By the way I am a type II diabetic and I carry sugar pills and soft drinks when I drive and will over immediately to consume them at the first sign or low blood sugar which I have learned to recognize.at the first signs. A person has around one to two minutes to deal with it...plenty of time to pull over.

After reading many of these comments I concur that this could be an argument about gun rights just as easy. I am going to weigh in. I have friends in their 80's with many illness's that I would ride with no problem. They seem to handle driving well. I also have had friends much younger that I prefer to drive rather then ride. My point is, it all depends on the person. Not the age of the person, nor the disease that happens to invade them.

Culhealth, I too am a type 2, however I have experienced a sudden onslaught of low sugar, it came on me fast. I passed out. I still had the presence of mind to eat my sugar pills and that is probably what saved me from dying. But if I would have been in a car, it came on me so fast that I don't know if I could have made it to the side of the road. I still drive, but usually check my sugar and adjust before I get behind the wheel. I know from experience that this does not guarantee me anything. If you ever experience this sudden onslaught you will understand that you don't always have time.

if your diabetic you test blood sugar at least twice a day,there is plenty of time to pick up on low sugar(shakes,sweats,lite-headed,weak feelings).I've been a diabetic for 19 yrs, been driving 54yrs, most problems have been with all ages not paying attention,on cell phone,reading,putting on makeup,watching scenery,speeding(15 to 30mph over limit)texting,or just plain not paying attention to what they are doing or where they are going.If you eat right and take care of your self you will be fine, plus drugs and drinking.I forgot stupidity.

John in Battle Creek,

I don't know how long you have been type II, for me it around 10 years. The sudden onset of low blood sugar you mention that can overwhelm a person with in a minute, comes from not recognizing the earlier signs mentioned by gunfsafety. The general problem diabetics have is not low blood sugar but high blood sugar. Low blood sugar can only happen from taking meds aimed at lowering blood sugar. Anyone who takes them prior to driving should definitely carry sugar and especially sodas to combat any episodes and be wary of any symptoms that might occur. I know the sudden onset occurrences firsthand and once passed out in a Wal-Mart, but that was in the very early years before I had developed a good sense of the symptoms of low blood sugar.

Culheath,

I have been a diabetic longer then 25 years, been on insulin for 8 or 9 and have only experienced the one real bad episode, I have had other lows that have debilitated me, where there is some warning but had time to test and start the process, three sugar pills, a glass of milk and a couple of teaspoons of peanut butter. I know if I feel any bit strange or not well in any way I run to my meter. That day I didn't have time to even do that. I went down like an anchor. But because I was so shaky and could not test, I went straight to the sugar. I think that is what pulled me back or they might have found me in a few days on the kitchen floor. I was in no condition to drive, in just a few seconds. Be warned culheath. If you are on insulin, and especially mealtime insulin that this can happen to you.

Diabetics have caused a lot of auto accidents resulting in the deaths of others as well as themselves. They should be required to test their blood sugar before turning the key, not unlike a convicted multiple-DUI offender gets a breathalyzer installed to start the car. And I believe that every person should have his/her license revoked at age 80. There have been too many innocents killed just by old age drivers (we yanked the keys from our grandfather at 85 when he ran a red light and t-boned a car nearly killing someone). If the FAA can yank a commercial pilot's certificate at 65 (it used to be 60 until Bush wisely upped it), there is no reason states can't do the same at 80. Florida is one of the worst offenders of old age drivers.

Caerraven stop rambling. You want to take someone's driving priveleges away based upon a chronic disease that over 10% of the US population suffers from one degree or another. And yes I am not ignorant that it progresses but it is manageable if one chooses to manage it.

If you want to talk about retesting drivers once they reach a certain age, I could go along with that concept. But let's be honest shall we? Who is more dangerous on the road, a driver 16-19 years of age or someone 75+ years old? If we're going to take people's licenses based upon accidents like this, perhaps we should ban driving until 21 years of age too. 21 and under and 75 and older have almost the same accident and mortality rate per mile.

A teenager loses control behind the wheel and hits someone killing them we call it a tragedy. A elderly person does the same thing and we call it a travesty.

What's the difference between some teenager loosing control behind the wheel and hitting someone and an elderly person? Your perception.

I agree with Disabled voter. Also not much chatter here about the younger stupid generation and the cell phone epodemic going on.

Valid points are hardly rambling John. You're the only one who fails to recognize that and you're on the defensive.

I fully agree, retesting drivers and I'm of the opinion nobody under 18 should be driving, period. They are too easily distracted and unable to realize their own mortality at that age. However, how many people do you hear under say the age of 60 that have plowed into a crowd of people mistaking their gas pedal for the break? I have no idea of the statistics on that, but generally people over 60 make the news more often than say a 30 year old who does it. So yes, perception of what the media allows us to see.

Angela LD

Ever thought of slowing down? Driving the speed limit is not driving slow. It is called a limit for a reason and maybe if people obeyed that they would stop acticting like the highways are speedways. Don;t blame your illegal activity on others. LOL

Actually it is diabetic neuropathy and has nothing to do with circulation; it is a loss of tactile nerve sensation.

Do they not also see the speedometer and tachometer go up and realize what they are doing?

Dead Eagle: we can't all be perfect like you and your little family.

Susan, Why even reply to Dead? He can't even spell handicapped. ... yeah yeah, we know where it lives, Hicktown USA insert state here

DanTheManOfVegas

Do they not also see the speedometer and tachometer go up and realize what they are doing?

Oh, so you drive with your eyes glued to the speedometer/tachometer, instead of on traffic and such? Well, give me warning when you're gonna be on the road -- so I can make sure I'm NOT on the road.

Learn the definition of "diabetic neuropathy" before you spout off. My husband has been type 1 (insulin dependent) for 51+ years (diagnosed at age 10) and has moderately severe peripheral neuropathy but has never had a problem with driving or feeling in his feet limiting his ability to safely drive. In our state the DMV requires his doctor to certify his safety behind the wheel at least once every 4 years. He has been seeing this same doctor (family practitioner) since he was 14 and is seen by an endocrinologist every 3 months as required by Medicare who also certifies his safety.

For those of you who are saying that being a diabetic is a disability that should negate the right to drive, grow up, there are hundreds of thousands (possibly millions) of diabetic drivers who have never had an accident or caused any kind of problem at all which is more than most drivers who are not diabetic or of what you say are too old can say.

All of you who are giving your opinion on diabetics and the elderly (it sounds like you are saying those over 60) it is about time you learn the facts before you try to diagnose.

Also, for those who are 55 and older, there is a program called "55 Alive" which you participate in (my husband and I both do) every 3 years. It is a great program and has the advantage of re-evaluating your skills and if taken and successfully completed you also qualify for a 10% discount on your auto insurance. It is well worth the 4 hours spent every 3 years.

I would say they need to be checked mentally and physically. I know a lot of elderly people would likely feel discriminated against, but it is for a major good.

-Jesus Lord Christ loves you and still saves.

Rebekkah in Colorado the hypocrite: why did you judge bout time's mental and physical health based on a statement that actually has merit based on medical and psychological evidence. I am almost 60 years old and I feel that while my reactions and mental capacities are still sharp, licenses for those 60 and older should be attached to both written and driving tests. Anyone who makes a statement like Christ loves you, etc. after previously passing judgment on someone is a hypocrite.

Seeing some of the people on the road today, I think after age 16 people should take a medical and physical road test every couple of years.

bout time, Rebekah and Bigfoot, aren't you the same people that scream discrimination at any suggestion of drug testing before receiving monthly government handouts or or I.D. for voting. Don't need an I.D. to vote why should I worry about one to drive? I can't get insurance without one? So, I'll be like the illegals, I'll drive without it.

I'm 65 and I agree. Not sure that I think the bar needs to be lowered to 60, but surely by 65 some re-evaluation should be in order. My driving skills are fine during the day, but night is another story and if I have to drive at night I try to stick to well-known roads. I also don't think that anyone under the age of 18 should have a license.

Yes. Older folks needs to re-evaluated to see if they are fit to drive. But everyone should take a "refresher course." Driving is a very serious business!

I'm past 60 and never ever drive. Always the 3-iron!

HAHAHA nice, Tom!

I'd agree to get checked yearly at age 60+ if it was done by my DR and had the option for them or myself to have the results mailed/faxed/emailed to my local DMV/DOT.

You have GOT to be kidding!! Retesting at age 60??

I'm not anywhere near 60, I'm still in my early 40's, just for the record.

That seems way too low. Frankly, when I think of 'elderly' drivers, I'm referring to those who are 70 to 75 and above. Most of the time the people this age been out of the work force for a while, and haven't driven on any sort of regular basis for a while, either.

At 60 most people, at least the ones I know, are still working and looking forward to retirement.

better yet why not make testing mandatory every 2 years on anyone who has had a handicap that can hinder driving after age 50 and make it mandatory to revoke a drivers license once the symptoms of old age set in, Alzheimer, limited flexibility, dementia, loss of memory, very short attention span, confusion, etc. and once your reflexes are hindered you shouldn't be driving period.

My grandfather, a type one diabetic, drove his whole life without an accident. He was well educated on the subject and RELIGIOUS about controlling his blood sugar, which he did during an era when it was a more difficult task, with the help of my grandmother, a registered nurse. But, I know he would have stopped driving in a minute had he not been able to control his condition.

What I see here is the same bunch of people that think they know what's best for everyone. People have to take responsibility for themselves and most people will. Ban gun, alcohol, drugs or what ever else imposes your will on others will not stop those that are determined to do what they want.

Hell, half the people on this vine probably could tell someones age by looking at them anyway. I can't, most people in their 30's & 40's all look the same to me. 50+ look like geezers. My 10 yr old grandson called is 30 yr old uncle an old geezer. Maybe everyone should have to retest every 10 yrs. regardless of age. I think obese people should not be allowed to drive or other physically impaired people, how is that for discrimination.

People with cellphones are a greater menace than the old folks are. Maybe we should worry more about driving while texting, than driving under the influence of age and experience.

vet1969, some of them need testing every day!

I drive everyday and I see people in their 80's that drive better than anyone from age 16-40. At that age (80's), they are not texting and driving risking another life. I am 41 and own a prepayed cell phone. I do not use it when I am driving. It is my cooler I keep my lunch in and the only time I use it is when I am on break at work if necessary.

@Rebeka in Colorado - Anyone who ends a statement that demonstrates that they believe that a jewish Zombie can make them live forever by telepathically accepting him as your master so that he can remove an evil force from your soul put there because a talking snake told a ribless women to eat fruit from a magical tree has no business making judgments about others mental competency to DRIVE

Thank you. I'm a diabetic myself and I would never get behind a wheel of a car without knowing what my sugars are.

you just got done saying you don't drive - so which is it, holier than thou caerraven/

I don't drive. Period. Hence why I do not get behind the wheel of a car.

"I would never get behind the wheel..." is indicative of me saying if i were to drive I would always do a blood test BEFORE hand. What the hell is wrong with your reading comprehension?

just me. seriously get off of caerraven. your silly and annoying comments show you are exactly what you accuse caer of being. Take your meds.

Pickups have uses other than running people down. Guns, however, were invented for the sole purpose of killing something.

Wrong. Guns are also very useful as hammers, paperweights, gavels, etc. They do not have to be used to kill "something" at all.

But a motor vehicle and a gun do share things in common: They both have to be pointed at a target, they both have the be controlled by a person to be used effectively, and they both can be used to kill "something". Maybe it IS time for a ban, or at least severe and strict controls, on motor vehicles.

Yeah it coulda been worse. he coulda had an assault rifle.

Wonder what Obama is up to?

A seven year old died and all you can do is spread blind political hate?

Stay classy.

Ok I'll do it for you ban all old people from pickup trucks. "satisfied"

Bobodean, you know why? Because there are not too many people as ignorant, idiotic and plain moronic as you seem to be.

In your deluded world the gun is king, and you'll say anything, anything, to excuse the use of guns to commit murder after murder by "law abiding citizens with guns". You are a very pathetic moron.

It's Bush's fault. Oh wait, that's obumbo's line!!

Raspputin..............you are the typical liberal. Call names and blame the inanimate object. What a guy!!

USA, I am glad we agree, IT WAS BUSH'S FAULT.

Rasputin-2589057

Bobodean, you know why? Because there are not too many people as ignorant, idiotic and plain moronic as you seem to be.

In your deluded world the gun is king, and you'll say anything, anything, to excuse the use of guns to commit murder after murder by "law abiding citizens with guns". You are a very pathetic moron.

How about we turn that comment around, and aim it at all the car nuts out there? Just replace "guns" with "cars". Look at the Swiss, there is a gun in every home and the entire Swiss population knows it -- yet the entire country has a lower crime rate than New York City and Washington, D.C., where guns are restricted. Is it because the Swiss are Swiss? Nope. Is it because they are "white"? Nope -- Loughner, McVeigh, Kaczynski, Holmes -- they're ALL "white". It ain't the laws, either, because we already know that criminals don't bother with obeying laws.

Maybe it IS the guns in every home that keep the criminals from going about shooting people, because the criminals know that not only will somebody be carrying a gun -- somebody WILL shoot back.

Oooooooor maybe the Swiss are just more classy. In the early days America was used by England to dump both their religious nuts and their criminals. Fascinating mix that has caused us more than a little grief. But let's look at Switzerland. Maybe you didn't know it but it's not like they were just handed guns. What happens over there is that men between the ages of 20 and 30 get MILITARY TRAINING along with their weapons. And yes, they do keep the guns beyond their military obligation but the guns are converted so they're no longer automatics. But even with the training and all that their gun death rate is 2/3's of ours. Oh, and you wanna hear something REALLY funny? Their gun ownership per person is LOWER than ours. We're number one and they're a not even close number four.

If that's the case he should lose more than the license. No in fact let him keep the license but lose his freedom

Thats good, I have been trucking for 8 years pulling belly dumps full of gravel and asphalt and not one tickit or overweight fees. Even in my personel vehicle. There is no excuse for accidents.

Thank you for being responsible and knowing that as people get older things change.

I am 36 and I stopped aging.......Mentally of course. I stopped at about 18.

This is why you have grandchildren, to drive you around!

Pickups have uses other than running people down. Guns, however, were invented for the sole purpose of killing something.

He didn't go out and intentionally kill someone. A gun, if that is what you are referencing, its only purpose is to kill.

That was a Ford pick up truck in the photo and the one in Texas!

No, I could use a gun to scare someone, or intimidate them. It doesn't always have to be fired to be effective. I wonder how many times alphabet soup is going to post the same comment here. Saying the same thing over and over again doesn't make it any more useful to the conversation, especially when it isn't entirely true.

A gun can be used as a hammer, a gavel, a paperweight, etc, etc, etc, etc. It does not have to be used to "kill something". That tired old argument, that guns have only one use, is in dire need of retirement.

Pickups have uses other than running people down. Guns, however, were invented for the sole purpose of killing something.

cars & trucks don't kill people , people kill people,especially diabetics and drunks,ban them both !

Cars ARE regulated, unlike guns. You need to get a license to drive one and you need to buy liability insurance to own one.

If we could simply apply those two simple principles to guns we could probably eliminate half the gun deaths each year.

Guns ARE regulated. You need a permit to purchase a handgun, you need a permit to have a loaded rifle in your possession -- YOU NEED A LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED GUN.

Y'all want to ban all guns? Fine -- but first y'all need to ban CRIMINALS, who just plain don't give a @!$%# about laws to begin with. Good luck with that.

p.s., liability insurance is NOT required for someone to merely own a motor vehicle. It is required for them to drive one.

If it were a younger driver, busy fiddling with the CD player or texting, would you be saying there is a need for yearly "reflex testing"? I doubt it.

If it had been a 20-something or 30-something who was busy texting their girl/boyfriend or fiddling with the controls on their CD player, would you be hollering about how they were too impaired to drive?

I would. In fact, I would be 'hollering' for a good long stretch of jail time...

You're assuming he feels guilty, that might not be the case. My grandmother drove AFTER her license was revoked for BLINDNESS due to macular degeneration. She was a classic psychopath and didn't care about other people. If she'd have hit someone's kid it would have been their fault they were in her way.

Kathryn, I'm assuming nothing. Your claim that I am mystifies me. I clearly stated "If this man is a good person". If he feels no guilt over an event like this, I think that disqualifies him from being a "good person".

;-)

Yikes Kath, that's... far far too scary. I can't imagine what would have happened if she'd killed someone.

What the hell's an 18-year-old metal-head, especially a "party hearty" one, doing behind the wheel of a vehicle anyway? That's just vehicular homicide waiting to happen.

Or ANYONE who refuses to pay attention to the task of driving that multi-ton chunk of steel. How about you, VoxDei -- are YOU a vehicular homicide waiting to happen?

.......and regulate the fuel that is dispensed into the vehicles fuel tank so as they may not find it easy to move these vehicles of "mass destruction". I think we should have a "surtax" so we may have the money to prevent pickup truck violence.

Ballistic comparison:

A 44-magnum with a 250-grain bullet has a muzzle energy of 850 ft-lb.

A 4,000-lb pickup truck going 40 MPH has a kinetic energy of 214,000 ft-lb.

We should definitely ban pickup trucks.

Boomer....That is funny! Unfortunately, some posters will take your comment literally.

We need to outlaw parking lots!!!

LOL and there we have it. My last good laugh before bed (assuming the hubby isn't up to anything unusual). Thanks guys.

no let's call for a complete ban on IDIOTS like you.

That pickup truck required a person to actuate the gas pedal to make it move. It also required a person to manually steer it, to point it in the direction it needed to go. It did not just magically move itself, nor did it just magically steer itself down the street. It's just like any gun, which requires a person to point it at the target AND actuate the trigger to make it work.

So, looks like you, cowtowntrucker, are as much the idiot as anyone.

You ever try to take someones license away. My Dad was 77 with altzheimers. He also had type 2 diabetes. Finally after three trips to the doctor we got a statement that Dad should not drive. So then we had to hire a lawyer and go to court. You dont even want to know what that cost. So while waiting for a court date, Dad, pretty much not in his right mind and mad as hell, got a "friend" he knew in florida to drive up here and get him. So considering Dad's condition i called the cops to have the "friend" removed from the property. With letter in hand i talked to officer friendly and was told that since i did not have a court order, that stated that my Dad was not capable, the cop could do nothing and if i personnally tried to stop him i would be charged with kidnapping.

So Dad went off to florida, where it was nearly impossible to check on him. His "friends" emptied his bank account of his life savings of about $85,000. I had numerous checks for large amounts of money signed by the "friends". Went to the cops and they could do nothing as now as Dad would not give the same story twice due to the altzheimers.

thats one of the downsides.

Course if you want to start pulling licenses, there are 35 million diabetics, 5.3 million with altzheimers, 350,000 people with multiple sclerosis, 35.9 million people over the age of 65, 46.2 million below the poverty level,(If they cant afford food how can they afford cars, 1 million on chemotherapy (messes you up massively) and millions between the ages of 16-21 where the frontal lobes of their brains is not developed and they do stupid crap. So right there if you pulled those licenses it would amount to 153 million people who could not drive and kill people. Of course this does not count in people who use alcohol and/or drugs and drive, are just plain stupid, the idiots in hollyweird who think we should live by their liberal values,on 1/1,000th the money they make. or the people who drive without a license as the records are few however in california alone it is estimate that 70,000 people drive without licenses.

If you are going to pull licenses exactly where are you going to start and stop. There are lots or reasons past diabetes that people should not be driving.

thomas you make a very good point. There are challenges to prevent some of these issues,but you do have to start somewhere. The beginning should be to (and I hate government interference) place restrictions on the operation of motor vehicles based on medical conditions,age,and driving conditions. This would include driving restrictions for new drivers ,the elderly etc. Is fair? I'm not sure but like you stated where do we start. Driving is a privilege not a right. The overall population will use the same stats that you did to determine how when to implement these measures. There are laws that are in place to try and deter bad behavior:However, it does come down to personal responsibility. I agree with you I for one don't want to 'baby-sit' grown adults.

And when YOU reach age whatever (to be determined at a later time, as you near that age), YOU will no longer be allowed to drive. Just because you will then be "too old".

You say "too old" like aging changes nothing. People do get too old for certain activities, such as being an Airline pilot, soldier, having a baby, lot's of things. Can you imagine if your house is on fire and the firemen who showed up were all in their 80's? How about an 75 year old policeman showing up to help stop gang members from robbing a store?

Driving a car is no different than those things I listed.

Really agnon mema-Let it go, we get it your old and no-one is allowed to say anything about it right?

lol nice one Denis, too bad most will not understand the reference :P

Greybeards = Skyrim

applicable reply = Fus Ro Dah

is that so. the government to take care of everything.

@ Dennis.. If you think that you should be tested, then it is time for you to stop driving.

Why don't you get in your 700hp sport sedan with its 75k upgrades and go put it through a @!$%#en wall.

And I am sure you are there to take your father where ever he needs or wants to go when ever he needs or wants to go...right? It's fine for all the younger people out there to say this as long as they are willing to supply transportation as needed or pay the cab fare as needed.

And no I am in my 40's and would have no problem checking everyone on a regular basis for their ability to drive...not just the elderly...I see a lot of crazy younger people out on the road as well. I don't see many elderly texting and driving or speeding or zipping in and out of traffic in a hurry or countless other crazy things. So lets be fair...retest everyone every year to see if they should still be able to drive.

@dslodge- Yes, I take him where he needs to go. Either myself or my mother. I work from home, she works part time, so theres always somebody to keep an eye on him and take him where ever.

And I agree 100% on testing everybody. I've taken nearly a dozen performance driving courses just so I could deal with these younger drivers and their texting, the older drivers and their creeping, and the inept drivers who never should have passed their tests to begin with and still drive safely, fairly aggressively. I would have no problem being tested annually, other then having to sit and wait for hours. IN fact, I would welcome it.

@UnknownWarrior - U Mad? Or U Jealous?

I'm not sure why the others are p!ssed by your comment. That is the responsible thing to do for an aging parent. My grandfather insisted on driving until my aunts stole the car keys to prevent him taking off. Old man used to get lost in the town he'd lived in 80+ years. Of course, he got wily and stole his nurse's car. Had a grand time at Applebees before he was caught.

I think anyone who has lived in an area with a high number of elderly drivers can cite reasons why their skills/reflexes should be tested.

there should be a law allowing us to shove texters into a ditch, I've seen what texting can do even when not driving. remember the idiot who almost walked into a bear? or the woman who fell into a water fountain? i also make it a point to sneak up on texters and scare the crap out of them(i don't even have to try it's just too easy), proof positive that texting is the most dangerous thing a person can do while in motion irregardless of type of motion in use.

@jeep..It must be heartbreaking for you to have to go 30 miles an hour.

Hint..When it is posted as 30 mph, that is the speed limit.

And you bucko are the worst of the morons on the road. Take it to the track, not the public streets. You are a total dumbass who feels your more entitled to the road. Hope you hit a tree with your 700 ponies.

@ Scarletbirds: Too funny....I like your sense of humor and sense of duty. Please keep it up.

@ 11secJeep: You have the sense to take care of your elders, but anytime you flaunt your prowess or money on newsvine you better expect attacks from other posters. You came over as someone who feels entitled to your whims and desires just because you have a little money to throw around and that even rubbed me the wrong way a little.

11secJeepSRT8

How's life in doucheville?

Because they live in fear, not of having to surrender their guns, but of feeling the sense of inadequacy without their precious guns. They think they are brave or macho or free because they have them, when in reality they are just cowards, unable to live without their alter ego, the gun.

Rasputin, I believe you meant to say "the gun" is a phallic symbol of male dominance.

not quite sure, i have lots of guns and i only carry them in the woods unless i know i will have to go into a high crime area, i also have them just because. i didn't buy them because I'm scared, i bought them because it seemed like the responsible thing to do in case they were needed and as a hobby. also some of the politicians are scheming to take away our weapons, look up small arms treaty and global gun grab. the proof is in the pudding.

I once had a girlfriend that was, for no legitimate reason, thrown against a car by a state trooper. Her response? "Does it make you feel more like a man when you carry your dick in a holster on your belt?"

She nailed it. One of the best laughs of my life!

@williamkremer..The first comment that mentions guns was from someone who wants to take guns away from the elderly. Nice democratic Spin. I knew that guns would be mentioned. The driver should have had Obama*care then the death panel could have prevented this.

I own guns for the reason that beef in the grocery store is now more than $3 a pound -- while the total cost of putting a deer in my freezer (license, gas for driving to/from the place I hunt, etc, etc) comes out to less $2 a pound. Same reason I own fishing poles and tackle.

Oh, and I do, from time to time, have a need to be in a large city, and I WILL NOT go there without my gun when I know that the criminals have guns. But if y'all want to be sheep, ready for slaughter at the hands of the criminals who don't give a flying @!$%# about your anti-gun laws anyway, that's your choice.

Hoodie-2290570;

Nope, that state trooper's dick wasn't in his holster -- it was pinned to his shirt. It's called his badge.

But I doubt your ex-girlfriend was thrown against the car for "no legitimate reason".