Ageism was in the news, recently, brought on by a focus on accidents caused by elderly drivers. Headlines in newspapers quickly snowballed into legislation being pitched to have drivers over the age of 75 tested more frequently to determine driving capabilities. Instantaneously, elderly drivers, as well as directors of area Counsels on Aging, cried foul over the possible regulations citing discrimination against elderly drivers.
This is not the first time that driving regulations have been modified to cater to age, however. A few years back, regulations for new drivers up to the age of 25 were implemented and boaster stricter penalties and fewer legal driving hours in the form of a curfew. These changes were not delivered by the media with ageism undertones, nor were the complaints of teenage drivers taken into such consideration because the regulations were directed towards younger drivers, further proof that discrimination against young people is not taken seriously.
Looking at the regulations, it is obviously ridiculous that they apply to drivers up to 25 years old. Meaning, that someone can buy alcohol, vote, and marry legally in the state of Massachusetts, but are under the same driving regulations as a 17 year old. Most college grads are between the ages of 20 and 22. What a great concept to be a recent college grad, decide to get your driver’s license and be treated like a high school senior.
Now, elderly drivers are faced with similar expectations and they proclaim that they are being discriminated against? I can say, with a lot of confidence, that most of these drivers were probably thrilled with the stricter policies implemented on younger drivers and never once recognized that clear discrimination. Then again, people don’t recognize discrimination unless it involves them.
Blog Archive
