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I’m sure this isn’t going to be the most popular stance I’ve ever taken, but it’s something that I feel pretty strongly about.Â So, don’t automatically close your browser before you hear me out.Â In fact, if you disagree, please leave a comment and let me know why.

Senior drivers should be periodically re-tested in order to allow them to keep their licenses. (If you read more, you’ll see I don’t just single out senior drivers).

About a week ago, GasBuddy had a poll up about this topic, which is what got me thinking about where I stood on the issue.Â Based on the results of the poll, I feel safe in saying that I’m not alone in where I stand.

Here’s how nearly 17,000 people responded when asked: Should drivers be re-tested to determine driving capability?

Yes, periodically after a certain age – 32%

Yes, periodically regardless of age – 31%

Yes, after an accumulation of moving violations – 28%

No, the initial test should be sufficient – 6%

Other – 3%

I believe that if there is a minimum age at which people are allowed to legally drive then there should be an age at which people have to be re-tested to prove they are safe, capable drivers.Â It is a widely accepted scientific fact that our motor skills (no pun intended) diminish as we age, and our reaction time slows.Â None of this lends itself to being a safe driver.

When these sorts of age-specific debates come up, many senior groups cry discrimination.Â To some degree I can see their point.Â Not every senior citizen is a bad driver, and being able to get in your car and go wherever you want, whenever you want has always been a sign of independence.

I know there is no set age at which people start to lose their driving skills, but at the same time there’s no set age at which a magic switch is flipped and we all become good drivers.Â However, it’s still generally accepted that people are ready to drive somewhere between the ages of 16 and 18, depending on where they live.

Can’t we do the same thing for when people should start to be retested?Â If the average lifespan is 76 years old, knock off 16 years and begin periodic retesting of everyone over the age of 60.Â Seems pretty fair to me.

I also think it goes without saying, but if you rack up a ton of moving violations and demonstrate that you’re an unsafe driver at any point, you should lose your license and be subject to periodic re-testing until you can prove you’re no longer a liability on the road.

Where do you stand on this issue?Â Leave a comment below.