traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: May 18, 2013 6:46:39 PM
Once the IRS-administered Death Panels in Obamacare are up and running, each year there will be fewer of us Baby Boomers on the roads to annoy you.
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puddy

Champion Author
Wisconsin
Posts:13,645 Points:3,266,925 Joined:Dec 2003
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Message Posted: May 18, 2013 10:06:00 AM
I don't
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jimmy544

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:4,112 Points:653,855 Joined:Feb 2011
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Message Posted: May 18, 2013 9:04:21 AM
Yesterday I saw a young woman driving erratically on the Mass Pike. What was she doing? Apparently texting. She was looking down all of the time and was wandering around in the center lane. A long blast from my horn did get her attention but she almost hit someone twice. She needs removal from the driving population... maybe she will remove herself but will probably hit some older person too.
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: May 17, 2013 12:56:56 PM
"When the ignorant stereotyping of older drivers stops, I, for one, will be happy to stop pointing the finger BACK at inexperienced, over-confidant younger drivers."
Start a thread dealing with those idiots and I'll support it as well (throw-in cockey and arrogant as well). Posting as such in this thread however is just a deflection from the point at hand. This thread is not saying that 'all old drivers drive really slow'...
EVERY demographic has poor drivers.
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geobmw

Champion Author
Miami
Posts:6,181 Points:1,403,195 Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 10:29:32 PM
always
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 10:07:08 PM
::::When the ignorant stereotyping of older drivers stops, I, for one, will be happy to stop pointing the finger BACK at inexperienced, over-confidant younger drivers.:::: Enlightening isn't it? The older folk have a thick skin and have learned to take it when some ignorant fool yuppie freely discriminates against them and uses insulting oldster stereotypes. Yet they go ballistic when the elders turn the tables and roast their sorry butts. They are spoiled and have a thin skin. Too bad. Toughen up.
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GAJDHI

Rookie Author
Montreal
Posts:42 Points:1,198,400 Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 8:27:08 PM
Not at all, but they are more careful
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73amx

Champion Author
Allentown
Posts:1,173 Points:459,765 Joined:Sep 2011
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 8:17:59 PM
most do the speed limit, except Mario Andretti
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fatfed

Champion Author
San Antonio
Posts:2,865 Points:476,415 Joined:Dec 2011
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 8:02:05 AM
They are probably driving the speed limit
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krazkar

Veteran Author
Calgary
Posts:288 Points:275,560 Joined:May 2012
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 7:51:13 AM
Any driver driving slow...
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ReddevilNO

Champion Author
New Orleans
Posts:3,371 Points:581,190 Joined:Aug 2011
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 7:05:21 AM
No, not really because, that's better then the most I've seen from a lot of the younger ones.....
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Maintroll

Champion Author
Lexington
Posts:8,634 Points:1,703,135 Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 5:17:07 AM
I have seen a hell of a lot worse things from younger driving idiots, like a couple of young ones that got me involved in a road rage incident the other day for absolutely nothing as they were totally driving reckless weaving in and out of traffic on a major road.
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rumbleseat

Champion Author
Winnipeg
Posts:22,926 Points:3,530,310 Joined:Oct 2002
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Message Posted: May 16, 2013 1:26:38 AM
"Again with the (incorrect) sterotyping if young folks. Give it a rest!"
When the ignorant stereotyping of older drivers stops, I, for one, will be happy to stop pointing the finger BACK at inexperienced, over-confidant younger drivers.
[Edited by: rumbleseat at 5/16/2013 1:30:28 AM EST]
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jscdig

Champion Author
Maine
Posts:7,274 Points:756,375 Joined:Apr 2004
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Message Posted: May 15, 2013 4:48:19 PM
I find that I don't drive as fast as I used to now that I'm retired. I'm not under any time constraints so there's no point in hurrying.
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jrfan6767

Veteran Author
Kansas
Posts:403 Points:41,770 Joined:Mar 2013
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Message Posted: May 15, 2013 3:22:43 PM
the only thing i will say is if its time to give up driving then do it
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mybigtruck

Sophomore Author
San Jose
Posts:130 Points:198,900 Joined:Oct 2009
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Message Posted: May 15, 2013 3:20:40 PM
The reality of it is, we're all going to be there one of these days. Leave them be.
We should be mad at the idiots who hold up traffic while they text in one hand and eat with the other. Run them off the road!
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: May 15, 2013 2:42:29 PM
"So would younger drivers. It would give them complete freedom to get as blown out on dope/alcohol as they wanted every night. There would be no worries about getting home without getting caught by the cops if the car was driverless."
Again with the (incorrect) sterotyping if young folks. Give it a rest!
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 15, 2013 10:58:47 AM
Quote::::older driver would use the google driverless car.:::
So would younger drivers. It would give them complete freedom to get as blown out on dope/alcohol as they wanted every night. There would be no worries about getting home without getting caught by the cops if the car was driverless. I predict this feature will be primarily used by the young, not the old.
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nichols

Champion Author
Halifax
Posts:6,846 Points:1,832,000 Joined:Aug 2003
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Message Posted: May 15, 2013 9:16:42 AM
older driver would use the google driverless car. As I get older I find that would I love this idea.
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Carusle

Champion Author
Atlanta
Posts:11,430 Points:2,254,000 Joined:Nov 2006
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 10:00:39 PM
give em room
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 7:49:29 PM
"$10K/yr for a 19-year-old is believable. Give him a DUI with a couple of accidents and a few lesser violations, put him in a new Mustang registered in a high-theft district...$10K is possible. We used to have lots of ultra-affluent international students in my districts in BMWs (5-series) and up. They paid lots."
You should probably add a higher-priced region as well (East or West coast) ;)
"Gentlemen, we're re-heating this old casserole again and again. Let's agree that older drivers TEND to be safer (if annoying) and younger male drivers TEND to be higher risk (and infuriating)."
Agreed!
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rumbleseat

Champion Author
Winnipeg
Posts:22,926 Points:3,530,310 Joined:Oct 2002
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 6:59:51 PM
I get maximum discount. If I moved to my former province, and added a teenage driver, even with my discount, my rates would go up $3,500/yr, and that is a teenage driver with no convictions or accidents! That is not exaggeration. At least in Manitoba, I can have a teenage driver without affecting my premium.
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pawnkingfour

All-Star Author
Georgia
Posts:561 Points:141,540 Joined:Dec 2011
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 6:37:01 PM
I guess we noticed old drivers to be driving slower, but if we look at the speedometer, majority of them are really close or at the posted speed limit.
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traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 6:10:05 PM
$10K/yr for a 19-year-old is believable. Give him a DUI with a couple of accidents and a few lesser violations, put him in a new Mustang registered in a high-theft district...$10K is possible. We used to have lots of ultra-affluent international students in my districts in BMWs (5-series) and up. They paid lots.
Hemond, I'll bet your nephew's truck is registered to his mother and he's not on the policy. If you can, find out their insurance carrier and notify them. Things might change when Mommy is spending $3500+ a year or more!
Gentlemen, we're re-heating this old casserole again and again. Let's agree that older drivers TEND to be safer (if annoying) and younger male drivers TEND to be higher risk (and infuriating).
Let's move on to desert.
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 2:50:20 PM
"But some groups are more prone to certain risks than others."
I certainly don't disagree with that!
"The insurance industry sure thinks young guys are a hazard. What does a 22 yo pay for liability? $3000 to $6000 to $10,000 a year? What does grandpa pay? $400 a year?"
$10K per year? C'mon... $400 per year? Doubtful. I would think that the insurance companies have an age in mind where once you hit it your rates start to go back up - although probably not back up to $10K <s>.
[Edited by: Weaslespit at 5/2/2013 2:53:14 PM EST]
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 2:07:09 PM
:::Consider homeowners on a flood plain pr coast Those closest to the water will drive up the insurance rates for those further up-slope.::: Well, I live maybe less than 1/4 mile from the shore and maybe 20 ft above sea level. My homeowner's rates are quite cheap. Don't even need flood insurance. I'm kinda hoping some global warming occurs so I can have an ocean front home.
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 2:03:42 PM
:::The elders who are higher in risk tend to be removed from their drivers' pool because of self-limiting factors: infirmity, death, etc. This doesn't occur so much with the young men. ::: Sure it does. When they kill themselves by hitting a tree at 90mph. Or wind up paraplegic or in a vegetative state in a state institution. They remove themselves by self limiting factors.
[Edited by: Hemond at 5/2/2013 2:08:52 PM EST]
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traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 1:43:23 PM
Hemond, insurance rate setters can generalize, but I urge restraint in polite discussion. All young men suffer because of the smaller, yet statistically significant, risk takers.
Consider homeowners on a flood plain pr coast Those closest to the water will drive up the insurance rates for those further up-slope.
The elders who are higher in risk tend to be removed from their drivers' pool because of self-limiting factors: infirmity, death, etc. This doesn't occur so much with the young men.
Ask a RI cop about any "immediate hazard" procedures and get back to us, would you?
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 1:26:07 PM
::::Hemond, you're overgeneralizing in that younger men are more commonly high-risk, but you're implying that it's a universal trait.::: The insurance industry sure thinks young guys are a hazard. What does a 22 yo pay for liability? $3000 to $6000 to $10,000 a year? What does grandpa pay? $400 a year? There is a reason for this disparity. Most claims are by the 22 yo's. Not grandpa.
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traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 12:42:17 PM
Like the old Certs mint add, I want to say, "Stop! You're both right!"
Weaslespit, True: there are bad drivers in all age groups. But some groups are more prone to certain risks than others. Hemond, you're overgeneralizing in that younger men are more commonly high-risk, but you're implying that it's a universal trait. I have a very responsible 21-year-old son, with only a small parking mishap when he was inexperienced. (BTW, he's in Bible college.)
Hemond, ask someone in law enforcement about RI's options for action by law enforcement or the DMV. List out his accidents and ask them to check for other driving infractions to be compiled. Provide the U-tube link. Also inquire: is he listed on the insurance policies of the vehicles he drives? That's a common way parents keep insurance costs down. If he resides in MA, I've told you how you can proceed. Minor consolation: He'll hopefully survive and outgrow this.
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: May 2, 2013 9:20:10 AM
"Lets try an experiment. This weekend, starting with the weekend newspaper. Lets count up the number of traffic fatalities. Make 2 columns. One for those over age 60 and another for those under age 60.
Lets compare how many dead tally up in each column. I'd like to place a bet that the under 60 column will be overbrimming with fatalities while the over 60 column will be empty."
Do I really need to point out the glaring flaw with this 'experiment'?
"Hemond may be overgeneralizing, but he has a valid point. That's why young men have higher insurance rates."
I don't disgree with that - I mentioned a few posts ago that should another thread be created to discuss the merits of younger drivers there are far worse decisions made than our elder statesmen on a more frequent basis. Dangerous driving is far worse than being annoyed with regards to the topic of this thread...
I see plenty of dangerous driving from any age group that commutes on a daily basis.
"Weaslespit (love your moniker!)"
Thanks!
[Edited by: Weaslespit at 5/2/2013 9:21:48 AM EST]
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 11:28:45 PM
:::Further on "Immediate Hazard" reporting for an elder/high risk driver. :: Are you saying I could file a complaint against my 21 yo nephew? Anonymously? He is your typical dangerous airheaded young driver. Totaled 3 vehicles already in the 5 years he's been driving. (that I know of). A menace to all. He has a youtube vid posted of him and a buddy doing wheelies on I-95 at 70mph through downtown Providence. The kid is a menace and for his own protection should have his licence yanked. I thought for sure 3 serious wrecks would do it. But I guess the courts don't give a hoot when you are a young offender. I'm prepared to help my sis pick out his coffin. Just hope he doesn't take any one with him when he checks out.
[Edited by: Hemond at 5/1/2013 11:31:26 PM EST]
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 11:20:13 PM
:::: Hemond may be overgeneralizing, but he has a valid point. That's why young men have higher insurance rates.::: Lets try an experiment. This weekend, starting with the weekend newspaper. Lets count up the number of traffic fatalities. Make 2 columns. One for those over age 60 and another for those under age 60. Lets compare how many dead tally up in each column. I'd like to place a bet that the under 60 column will be overbrimming with fatalities while the over 60 column will be empty. Btw, how can truth be overgeneralizing?
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traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 10:17:43 PM
The context of my point, worthy Hemond, when saying "when considering accidents, emember that elderly don't heal as well as they used to," is that at a certain age (late 80s and up) it may really be time to retire the driver's license. This is not an absolute; it varies. For those who are getting infirm, any accident sufficient to pop an airbag can be quite traumatic, even if they're properly belted in.
Weaslespit (love your moniker!) Hemond may be overgeneralizing, but he has a valid point. That's why young men have higher insurance rates.
My generalization: the more you combine the following, the more lethal the situation:
maleness +immaturity (ages 15-25) + alcohol + speed + bravado
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 3:11:03 PM
"The elderly are not the ones getting into collisions. Its the younger ones who are crashing. Presumably they heal quicker. Good thing too what with all the mayhem they cause on the highways."
First off, 'experienced' drivers cause accidents too. Secondly, your disdain for all of these 'younger' drivers is extreme.
No demographic has the market cornered on safe driving...
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 2:36:27 PM
::::When considering accidents, emember that elderly don't heal as well as they used to. ::: Agree, but isn't that fairly irrelevant? The elderly are not the ones getting into collisions. Its the younger ones who are crashing. Presumably they heal quicker. Good thing too what with all the mayhem they cause on the highways. Plus, and although I have no evidence, it just seems that when some drunk crashes , he doesn't even get injured. Despite possibly killing the folks in the car they hit.
Like the drunk going the wrong way on the interstate who hit my cousin head on. My cousin died while the drunk walked away without a scratch.
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gomondizer

Champion Author
Missouri
Posts:1,052 Points:119,230 Joined:Jun 2012
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 2:08:00 PM
Someone earlier commented about an elderly person driving 10 to 15 mph below the posted speed limit. A few years ago in the small town where I lived, there four elderly gentlemen who would each drive about 10 to 15 mph period! It was always a pleasure to meet them on the road, because that meant you wouldn't be getting in behind them.
On the other hand, I did know an elderly gentleman who when he was cautioned to drive carefully said, "Don't worry-- when they see this old man coming with the hammer down, they just get out of the way!"
Take your pick.
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traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 1:50:56 PM
Further on "Immediate Hazard" reporting for an elder/high risk driver.
If you're concerned about somebody whom you think should no longer be driving, ask a cop or your DMV about available procedures.
1) It might be done anonymously 2) You might ask a local cop to do it for you. 3) There might be another appropriate individual, such as a caregiver or doctor who is authorized to file the form.
nru's experience shows that there may be resistance, and using a third party or anonymous reporting ("gramdma, maybe it was one of the neighbors!") may help preserve family peace.
When considering accidents, emember that elderly don't heal as well as they used to.
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2Tall

Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:12,777 Points:2,941,380 Joined:Jun 2004
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Message Posted: May 1, 2013 1:12:29 AM
no
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traffic cop

Champion Author
Boston
Posts:1,242 Points:536,315 Joined:Oct 2004
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Message Posted: Apr 30, 2013 11:22:00 AM
nru tells us, "We finally wrestled the keys from my father who at 83..."
Bravo, nru! Doctors and families need to be responsible, even if the elder is stubborn. Part of the responsibility requires increased willingness and availability to drive your elder around and be otherwise involved.
In Massachusetts, cops have the "Immediate Hazard" form. A cop will explain on it (and attach relevant police & accident reports) explaining why somebody (anybody!) should have his license suspended, which happens immediately upon processing. A captain or higher must sign off on it.
Then the MV people will schedule a hearing and review the driving record, medical factors, the instigating incident, etc. I've filed this not only on elders, but also repeat DUI's, reckless drivers, and inveterate jerks.
Ask a cop if your state has a similar procedure.
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RNF

Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:7,101 Points:2,873,985 Joined:Jun 2004
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Message Posted: Apr 30, 2013 6:42:56 AM
No.
My biggest concern is the (usually young) driver who drives at a speed well above the speed limit. Fortunately, I pass them later. They are pulled over on the side of the road by a police officer.
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Apr 30, 2013 6:26:20 AM
My 21 yo nephew just totaled his 3rd vehicle. This time the truck his mummy bought him. The dude is a menace and should be forcibly taken off the road. No doubt some pot smoking played a part. How he kept his butt out of jail for this crash amazes me. He is far more dangerous than 100 elderly . Yet, he is back on the road with another brand new truck. What a waste of a nice truck. I would have loved it and would have taken good care of it.
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blckwolf

Veteran Author
North Carolina
Posts:285 Points:74,045 Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Apr 29, 2013 11:09:40 PM
I don't mind an older driver driving a little slow (say, within 5 MPH hour of the speed limit - though, I will pass as soon as I can). What I can't stand, is someone who SHOULD NOT be on the road, because they are driving 10-15 MPH below the limit. They are a danger to themselves and other drivers. Additionally, there are cognitive issues when they get to this point that they are too scared to drive the speed limit. I was behind an older couple the other day, and we came to a four way stop. He just wanted to sit there and let the three other cars in a row go through, rather than take his right of way and go. If you are THAT timid and afraid of getting in an accident, DON'T DRIVE!
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nru

Champion Author
Twin Cities
Posts:1,748 Points:983,225 Joined:Feb 2006
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Message Posted: Apr 29, 2013 11:00:53 PM
We finally wrestled the keys from my father who at 83 was getting to be too erratic at the wheel. It's not getting old, it's not driving safely - they should take the keys from anyone who texts or puts on makeup while driving also. Has nothing to do with speed - I feel safer at 250kph on the autobahn than 55mph here - too many fools are given license in this country.
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Weaslespit

Champion Author
Cincinnati
Posts:8,907 Points:312,420 Joined:Sep 2008
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Message Posted: Apr 29, 2013 10:00:26 PM
"So it seems to me the original intent was to rag on senior citizens. I merely defend senior citizens. I am 66 years old myself."
Yes, this thread focuses on 'experienced' drivers but I think it would be a misnomer to take that as saying no other demographic is guilty of poor driving habits.
If you created a thread criticizing younger drivers for driving too aggressively I would agree with it as well.
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Apr 28, 2013 10:33:42 AM
:::You Seem To Be Offended By Anyone Who Has A Opinion To The Contrary.::: Not at all. I am offended by politically correct discrimination. In the US there are politically correct groups which are off limits to criticism. Some examples are blacks, gays, illegal immigrants, and muslim terrorists. Some examples of groups who are not protected by political correctness are the elderly, white males, (especially white men over age 50), Catholics, Israelis. It is open season on these groups. Feel free to hurl vitriol at them. On this board the discriminatory statements made against elderly drivers is poisonous despite clear evidence that they are the safest drivers.
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Hemond

Champion Author
Providence
Posts:8,182 Points:133,525 Joined:Oct 2006
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Message Posted: Apr 28, 2013 10:22:01 AM
To noblegiant: Why are you capitalizing every word in your sentences?
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noblegiant

Champion Author
Philadelphia
Posts:2,065 Points:942,470 Joined:Nov 2007
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Message Posted: Apr 28, 2013 12:26:15 AM
To Hemond, You Seem To Be Offended By Anyone Who Has A Opinion To The Contrary. I Too Do Not Like Drivers Who Drive Erratic, On The Phone As If Their Sitting On The Living Room Couch. I Put Up With The Afternoon Commute With Senior Citizens On The Road Everyday But That's Not The Problem It's The Morning Retired Commuters With Little Or No Regard That's My Contention And It Won't Change. I Too Have Logged In Many Miles Over 36 Years As A Truck Driver Etc. Note: If You're Not Selfish You Should Understand.
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gassprite

Champion Author
Toms River
Posts:1,075 Points:137,915 Joined:Apr 2012
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Message Posted: Apr 27, 2013 11:16:49 PM
Yes. But I wish I didn't. I can sense my own reaction time getting slower as I age so I know they're doing the right thing to take their time when they drive.
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Vin63

Champion Author
San Bernardino
Posts:1,840 Points:455,245 Joined:Oct 2007
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Message Posted: Apr 24, 2013 10:02:39 AM
No. Driving slow is fine. It's the erratic driving that is difficult to adapt to.
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