Should the US institute Shoshina marks?

[The_Blur]

In Japan, beginner drivers are required to place a Wakaba mark on their vehicles. Likewise, Fukushi marks are required for the elderly. These stickers indicate that the vehicle's operator is probably not the world's greatest driver and that other drivers should drive with caution.



What are your thoughts? Discuss.

[crysalis_01]

There have been worse ideas.

I also wouldn't mind seeing a switch from our way too lax requirements to obtain and retain driver's licences to a more strict, and informative, methodology utilized by countries such as Germany.

[cplhester]

I quit riding motorcycles until they make old people take a driving test. I understand it would put a hardship on them to get around but think of how many wrecks could be avoided if seniors who are impaired are off the road.

[trademaster]

I think cell phones should be a bigger concern. We need to find a way to move everyone to hands free or restrict cell phone use without it in vehicles. It's like watching a TV while you drive.

[Mr_Draco]

I know the US did consider doing something similar for new drivers but decided against it. The concern was there are too many people who would purposely harass and intimidate the new drivers which could cause them to wreck.

[RubyCamaro]

I am glad Tennessee now has a graduated lisence process for beginning drivers & think something similar should be done for elderly requiring re-testing periodicly. Even though not too many years hence I will be in that category, I would rather my kids be able to blame the state than see them placed in the position of taking my car from me as my sisters & I did for my dad & as he had to for his dad.


My dad even had to remove the distributer cap from the tractor as grandaddy would get on it & try to drive around after they took his car keys. He ended up wrecking into a Ferrari before they took his car keys. He also once pulled up in my sister's yard & put her kids in & took them to a distant relative's house & left them there. He did not even remember it. Luckily they figured out whose kids they were & called us. Sad when you have to warn your kids to run from their great grandfather. Yep, it is just not safe to let folks drive until they die, unchecked and some old folks don't have kids to take their keys away. This is only going to get worse as we the baby boom generation continues to age.

[SlingShot]

Originally Posted by trademaster

I think cell phones should be a bigger concern. We need to find a way to move everyone to hands free or restrict cell phone use without it in vehicles. It's like watching a TV while you drive.

Some Florida Congress people are trying to toughen the laws here. Right now texting is a second offense, meaning you can't be stopped for it but can be ticketed if stopped for another reason. They are trying to make it a primary offense, and ban hand holding a phone while driving. Hope it passes !!!

[el ess A]

Originally Posted by cplhester

I quit riding motorcycles until they make old people take a driving test. I understand it would put a hardship on them to get around but think of how many wrecks could be avoided if seniors who are impaired are off the road.

Extrapolate that to anyone that's impaired. You do not have to be old to drive like an idiot. Beginners have far more accidents than old farts anyway.

[Number 3]

Just read an article that said driving with kids is more distracting than cell phones. So we already have these that are put on voluntarily.

[AZCamaroFan]

no I don't think so. I mean I see older people driving slow, but the ones that are more dangerous are the guys weaving in and out of traffic , racing stoplight to stoplight because they're in a hurry, giving people the finger, roadrage, etc.

[cplhester]

Ok I had to major wrecks in all the years I rode motorcycles. Both times I was hit by older drivers. 70 something and the last one that nearly killed me was 82. Yes I agree there are others dangerous people on the road such as racers and distracted drivers. I also agree some more aggressive laws should be used to get rid of cell phones in cars. Sadly as people age their senses decrease. I understand some people get older and still have the ability to drive well. I think it should be a test every 5 years after your 70. I have talked to my grandpa about not driving anymore (79) he has had 2 or 3 wrecks here very recently. He was at fault but refuses to admit it.

[RubyCamaro]

Like My dad's altzheimer's doc said to him "The problem is, you don't remember, not remembering". No, most of them won't just give up driving voluntarily.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by trademaster

I think cell phones should be a bigger concern. We need to find a way to move everyone to hands free or restrict cell phone use without it in vehicles. It's like watching a TV while you drive.

We can always hit both. Congress can call it the Safe Driving Act.

Originally Posted by The_Blur's Bill Proposal

Whereas new drivers unfamiliar with their cars and driving rules require special consideration;

Whereas elderly drivers have slower reaction times and also require special consideration;

Be it enacted that:

New drivers, as decided by the states, place a green and yellow sticker on their windshield and rear window on the driver's side upper corner and drivers over the age of 60 years place a yellow and orange sticker in the same place.

Also be it enacted that:

Anyone caught texting while driving be crushed by monster truck.

[cplhester]

Haha nice touch with the monster truck!