According to ABC7 in Bredenton, Florida, experts say we should focus less on age and more on health and coherence.
Dave Bruns, AARP Communications Manager in Florida, says it's "unfair to say that it’s age alone that is an indicator of why you should be or not be behind a wheel." Bruns told ABC7 that there are an “army” of older drivers in the Sunshine state. AARP statistics show that there are currently 825,000 drivers aged 80 or older and 112,000 drivers 90 years old or older.
Under Florida law, everyone is required to renew their drivers license every 8 years. Lawyers have stated that once an individual turns 80, that changes to 6 years with an added eye exam. Tallahassee has been discussing further requirements for older drivers.
Attorney Jonathan Diamond says that "additional restrictions could include hand controls on the steering wheel, it could include an additional left side mirror, restrictions that don’t allow the driver to drive at night." He continues:
"There’s a lot that can happen in six years and so the requirements for vision at least (regarding) whether or not it’s time to renew. They should be required to submit a vision test at least every two years, at least, maybe more"
Under Florida law, everyone is required to renew their drivers license every 8 years. Lawyers have stated that once an individual turns 80, that changes to 6 years with an added eye exam. Tallahassee has been discussing further requirements for older drivers.
Attorney Jonathan Diamond says that "additional restrictions could include hand controls on the steering wheel, it could include an additional left side mirror, restrictions that don’t allow the driver to drive at night." He continues:
"There’s a lot that can happen in six years and so the requirements for vision at least (regarding) whether or not it’s time to renew. They should be required to submit a vision test at least every two years, at least, maybe more"
The University of Florida and the University of Ontario have created an online screening tool to assess at risk-older drivers. According to the website:
"After completing the screening, a keyform or rating profile, of the driver is available which includes a classification of the driver into one of three categories (at-risk driver, routine driver, or accomplished driver). Based on the specific driver category, recommendations are given as follow-up steps."
"After completing the screening, a keyform or rating profile, of the driver is available which includes a classification of the driver into one of three categories (at-risk driver, routine driver, or accomplished driver). Based on the specific driver category, recommendations are given as follow-up steps."
If you are older and have been involved in an automobile accident, please contact Jacksonville car accident lawyer Alisa Wilkes. She can visit you at your location, walk you through each step of the process, and develop a strategy to help you receive the compensation you deserve.