Woman cited for shoplifting

Posted by the_truth (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Would love to see who caused this accident... My money is on the 79-year-old. Need to get a lot of these older drivers off the road. Most have NEVER had any driver's training, can barely see or walk, and yet they feel it's their RIGHT to drive! (My grandfather being one of them)

Got news for ya, I fully support the idea of retesting every 5 years after 60

Posted by Tired (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How about retesting for everyone every five years? I've seen plenty of old and young people that haven't got a clue about responsible driving. Just because you are older doesn't automatically make you a poor driver. Our young people are the poorest drivers of all groups. (statistics prove it) I'd like to know when did driving 75-78 mph become the accepted speed on the freeway? When changing lanes aren't you supposed to use turn signals? When did tailgating become legal? I observed the majority of cars traveling the same direction as I were committing one or more of these offenses everyday this week. (90% were at least speeding!) No wonder insurance rates are skyhigh!

Posted by outoftowner (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with both of you. I don't think it would be bad for any of us to have a refresher course on safe driving practices. It would be a hassle, but at least the roads would be safer. I do feel bad for the elderly that would have their driving privleges revoked. How are they going to do simple tasks like getting to and from doctor's appointments and the grocery store. It would be nice if there was a bus/van system specifically set up for this with a small fee. Probably would be cheaper than owning a car.

Posted by craze (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Truth, you're not a very nice blogger

Tired and outoftowner I betcha you'd be the first to moan and groan about the fees associated with retesting you every five years.

Posted by the_truth (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

True, mandatory refresher courses throughout the age groups would be a blessing indeed. As far as how would those who fail get around? We have the Albert Lea Transit which does make it's way around town very well. There is also taxi services and what not. Would be a good opportunity for someone to start a new business in town to accomodate people needing transport as well.

As far as cost of refresher coursing, today it's electronic anyway, so the only public burdon of the "classroom" portion would be a room and a few computers to adminster the course.

Which would be worse, inital cost of the program (as deemed by county) or the increased insurance costs?

Posted by outoftowner (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree truth. Craze, we already have fees for renewing our licenses. When you come in to renew and you take the eye exam and get a new photo update, why not have a few computer kiosks to take a refresher test. There shouldn't be an extra fee, just that extra test to renew your license. A lot of people may be surprised on how much you forget through the years as well as new information. More driving lanes, even stop lights change. In any case, I agree with Truth's first comment on testing every 5 years after the age of 60. People seem to forget driving is a privilege. We are all going to be 60 one day, God willing, so we'll all have to face this, but I think safer roads trumps the inconvenience.

Posted by sbahr (Stacey Bahr) on November 20, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Retesting for everyone is definitely the answer. I took my own driver test at 15, let's see, if my math is right then it has been 17 years since I have had to really think hard about the traffic laws and safe driving practices. I'm the first to admit that although I consider myself a safe driver (moreso now that I have my son with me in the car), I have become complacent as to the rules of the road. What would be the harm? Even if there are extra fees, driving is a privilege, not a right, if you have to pay for it, so be it.

Do not automatically assume that the older person is in the wrong here, I have seen PLENTY of people young and old on the road that don't appear to have any right to be there at all, and have seen accidents or near-accidents by all ages.

Posted by MDonovan (anonymous) on November 20, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dont You People Have anything better to Do????

Posted by headscratcher (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally don't think that just taking a test is the answer for the elderly. We had my mother reported and we took her to the testing office ourselves and she passed the written test. However, we all refused to ride in the car if she was driving. I think that they should be required to drive with a licensing officer in the car for 20 or 30 min around town. Just because they can pass a written test does not show that their reflexes are slow. It doesn't show that their necks are stiff and can't turn to look at on coming traffic. It doesn't show that they get confused on which lane they are in. It doesn't show that they don't notice red lights. I know that accidents happen to people of all ages but the elderly need to be monitered a little more closely. But we also need to be more willing to drive people around that need a ride. Yes there are taxis, buses, ride services but sometimes the eldery have a stigma against taxis.

Posted by Tired (anonymous) on November 21, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would be glad to pay any extra fees to accommodate the extra testing. It is worth it to ensure safer drivers on the roads. As everyone drives around this fall and winter pay attention to how a large percentage of drivers are just really bad at what they do.