AUGUSTA, Maine — Secretary of State Charlie Summers has begun an exploratory process that he said could lead to changes in driving laws affecting elderly motorists.
Summers said recent accidents involving elderly drivers in Maine, as well as national statistics that show higher accident and fatality rates among elderly drivers, prompted him to target this age group in his initiative, which comes on the heels of stricter laws for teen drivers he proposed that the Legislature adopted this year. Summers said recent crashes in southern Maine, including a highly publicized case of an elderly driver traveling the wrong way on Interstate 295 in Freeport in January and another earlier this month in Portland, highlighted the problem.
Summers said he seeks to strike a balance between new regulations that appropriately take some drivers off the road for medical reasons and the fact that Maine has relatively few public transportation options.
“We have to take a hard look at what the issues are,” he said. “We want something that takes into consideration that for many people in Maine, their ability to drive is their connection to the outside world. Many people in this state drive 20 or 30 minutes just to get to the grocery store or the drugstore.”
Summers said any proposals will be subject to approval by the Legislature and its Transportation Committee.
“I hope that by the time the next Legislature gets in that we would have something for them on this issue,” he said. “I don’t want people to get the wrong impression; there’s nothing coming imminently.”
Summers has tasked a Bureau of Motor Vehicles Medical Advisory Board with exploring how medications and interactions between medical conditions might affect driving ability, according to Megan Sanborn, who works in the secretary of state’s office.
Maine ranks fourth in the nation for its percentage of fatal crashes involving drivers 65 or older and ninth in terms of the number of licensed drivers in that age bracket, according to a report released in February by the nonprofit national transportation safety organization The Road Information Program, or TRIP. According to data from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ website, about 189,000 of Maine’s 1 million drivers in 2011 were 65 or older.
The only Maine driving law that applies specifically to elderly drivers is the requirement that people 65 and older must renew their licenses every four years — as opposed to every six years for everyone else — and those over 62 are required to pass a vision test. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles has the authority to deactivate or put restrictions on a person’s license in response to concerns from doctors or a person’s family members, but those referrals are voluntary.
“We already require a vision test. There may be other tests that may be appropriate,” said Summers.
Summers said part of the solution he’s working on is to increase the frequency and availability of driver safety programs for seniors and their families by having his department work with car dealerships to host the courses.
“We need to look and see what the issues are and how we can address them,” said Summers. “We don’t want to take steps to disenfranchise older people from their independent lives.”
Be careful what you sow, since you will be 65 one day, Charlie. Not every senior is on medication or has a physical problem. There have been many accidents involving the 25-40 year olds this summer, including motorcycles.
Hey! Instead of the focus on safety for our roads, let’s impugn him and make it seem like an attack on the elderly. And then let’s run some more feel-good articles about Angus on his Harley out among his fellow everymen of the state and juxtapose that with some more hack-job articles about that big old meany Charlie Summers! Ah, BDN, so predictable.
Yeah, lets just ignore the problem and make it a republican against senior type of thing. Democrats have no intention of dealing with problems or finding solutions to problems. Making decisions that might affect someone is not something that they can do for fear of losing votes. When do you suppose a democrat capable of making a decision will come along 4lifeandfreedom?
When will conservatives get out of our lives?
But Charlie doesn’t see a problem with a 23 year old getting their dose of Government paid for Methadone and driving home. Charlie , you start picking on the elderly in this state and and i guarantee you will find a hornets nest.
“But Charlie doesn’t see a problem with a 23 year old getting their dose of Government paid for Methadone and driving home.”
It is already illegal to drive while impaired by any substance, prescribed or illegal.
But,but Homer they are doing it everyday, illegal or not. An elderly person , if on debilitating drugs, would come under the same law. right? Charlies intent is just to hassle old people, plain and simple. Just to justify another fee.
So your real issue is that police are not doing their job and catching impaired or over medicated drivers in your area?
Have you complained to your local police chief?
Nope I never mentioned the police not doing their job. Just stating a fact that addicts go to Bangor to get their free fix of Methadone and then drive home or elsewhere. Police are already restricted as to how they can pull someone over, thanks to Liberal policies. I was only saying the laws are already in place to hassle senior citizens but Charlie wants to invoke an added expense targeting senior citizens who are already strapped for cash.
No you never mentioned the police but you are pointing out that laws are in place and they are not being enforced. There are rules in place that the police must follow and as long as the person is not driving in a suspicious manner police can not pull them over as you have said. Police can and should pull over seniors, juniors and druggies if they are breaking these laws without regard to any other factor and if they are not doing that in your town you should address the issue. What has Charlie done or proposed here that raises any costs for anyone?
My mother is 80 and a train wreck waiting to happen….she refuses to give up her keys and I do not have legal authority to take her keys……I cringe every time she get’s behind the wheel. Oy.
The article said that restrictions can be put on her license or it can be revoked, in response to concerns from a person’s family members (or doctors). Get in touch with the Secretary of State and express your concern.
First of all,VERY few docs or family members will take that step.And old people are stubborn and think they’re smarter than they are.Watch 60 Minutes some years ago when a 93 y/o with Parkinson’s and an eyepatch was illegally coached through his license renewal.
Doctors will take that step at the urging of family members. If family members are concerned about their older parents’ driving, then they need to speak up. If they don’t then they are just as responsible. My husband’s uncle took a part out of his father’s car to make it inoperable because he refused to give up the keys, and had a spare set hiding in the house. As far as the 60 Minutes episode, that is a systemic problem within that particular state’s DMV and needs to be addressed at that level. Did the 93 y/o pay somebody off to coach him through the test? If not the responsibility lies with the DMV, not the elderly driver. As far as the elderly thinking they’re smarter than they are, they are probably smarter than you think they are. Getting old doesn’t make a person less smart!
Now, as far as the anectdotal stories they are just fueling emotions and nothing more. How about some hard statistics about that population and their accident rates? How do they compare to the new driver, the driver on Methodone, the driver with distractions such as a car full of kids, etc.? I’m sure as a population we can come up with many anecdotes about a particular population of driver as a reason to change a law, but until there are statistics to back them up you are just getting in to a slippery slope. I would certainly hope our legislators would be intelligent enough to use facts and not anecdotes to sway their decisions.
The stats form an almost perfect U-highest accident rates at either end of the age spectrum.Graduated licensing takes care of the first half.
The 60 Minutes thing did not include payment-it was a clerk clearly violating the law.
then contact her doctor. each time she drives she could kill people. Her doctor can help get her license revoked based on medical issue. do something Now, as you may be saving her life and others……………….
Charlie should indeed try to effect stricter laws for older drivers, but only for those who are registered Democrats. Registered Republicans should be allowed to drive forever if they wish. And please make sure that all Democrats who drive are citizens of Maine!
LOL
Being able to drive is freedom for the older population.
Leave them alone.
And this was yet another ploy for Charlie to get free publicity for his senate run. In all fairness, actions by the Secretary of States office should be reported to the press by an assistant or communications director.
My wife was nearly killed in, and still suffers PTSD from, a car accident caused by an 85 year old man. On the turnpike, he decided to go from the breakdown lane. crossing three lanes of traffic, to make a U-turn through an Authorized Vehicles Only turnaround. We found out through our lawyer that this individual had caused several accidents in the two years preceding this incident.
I agree that the ability to drive is important to the freedom of Maine’s senior citizens, just as it is to all Maine citizens. But, the privilege of driving must not interfere with the rights of other citizen’s to to life and the pursuit of happiness.
There are more people killed by drunks and druggies than by elderly drivers. Charlie Summers is using a couple of examples to ram through a law and penalize the elderly.
On average 38% of fatalities are alcohol related and 46% are speed related. The other 16% were motorcycle related, distracted driving or pedestrians. Just like his voter fraud bill that he wanted to ram through….how many voters in Maine committed fraud? He is a waste of taxpayer space. Rather than addressing major issues he wants to go after the elderly. Anyone can have a medical incident, it just doesn’t happen often enough for it to be an issue.
Check out statistics on 19 year olds before you condemn older people’s driving.
They have tried this before, it did not work then, so here we go again, time to pick on he elderly again, a lot safer than enacting no cell phones hand held in the State. TEXTING is the major caused of accidents right now, NOT drivers operating with alcohol under .15, not a vehicle with a little rust, most accidents are not caused by mechanical factors, I must say MAINE is becoming a STATE that almost one would want to avoid, it leaders are somewhat certified if you ask me.
If someone drives drunk or distracted,then the next day drives properly,nobody gets hurt.I’m not excusing any improper actions-I know someone right now who is facing a DUI charge and hope she gets the book thrown at her.BUT old people don’t improve their skills.
EVERYONE over 65 needs to have a full driving test EVERY YEAR.The state’s job is to keep all of us safe on the roads,not just a complaining vocal minority.
So you’re for bigger government, more government control over people?
65 is the new 45. I’d say testing every 2 years might begin at about age 80, depending on the individual, of course. My Aunt Gertrude was still driving past 100 years old and doing well, still picking up what she called the “old folks” for church every Sunday.
She still had all her faculties at 103, but stopped driving because she said her daughter – 83 – wanted to take her places so she would feel she was “helping” her mother.
……………….
I don’t want older people to pay more than younger for a license.But the statistics are clear-the very oldest and youngest are at highest risk.Graduated licensing works with new drivers.Drivers in every category make mistakes.I have had family members who had NO business on the road.I tried to get them off the road and was stymied at every turn.She died before she could kill anyone else.Her doctor and other family members defended her.
The state couldn’t even be bothered to tell me they had received my letter for six weeks.
Nothing was done.
Let’s see, 2 elderly drivers out of how many in the state?
Charlie Summers is a Republican or so I’ve been led to believe. He swings pretty hard to the right or at least seems to be one of Grover Norquists minions. Keeping in mind that most of the right wing posters on here are constantly harping on the “Nanny State”. Blaming any incursion into personal freedom on the “Nanny State” liberals. Isn’t this rather ironic???
I guess Charlie isn’t thinking about the voters in our rural counties. Many of whom voted Republican in the last election. Of course northern Washington County seniors, who are at present without the services of a nursing home would benefit greatly by having their license taken from them. Their spouse may be in a nursing home as much as 2 hours away. If their license is taken from theim that will further isolate them from their loved ones. Which will result, in all likelyhood, their earlier demise.
Don’t forget that ins co. giveaway by LePage that jacked up ins. in Aroostook Cty. where all the old folks voted like sheeple for him.Nice payback.
And there’s no public transportation to speak of, either, which could be used by many if it existed.
Hopefully they put a plan in place at the same time to introduce public transportation state wide. How the heck will people get to appointments or shopping. I understand that if you have mainecare you can get a ride with a transportation company — and thats pretty limited. Are older people just supposed to sit in their homes and wait for someone to maybe offer them a ride to the store once a month…cancel doctors appointments and heaven forbid they want to go out to eat or a movie. Perhaps being responsble and developing a real transportation option would help older folks feel better about giving up their licenses. I think 65 is a bit young to start pulling licenses. Teens have caused many accidents this summer — weird how they can put laws on elderly licenses but can’t make it mandatory for a motocycle rider to wear a helmet. Not that I care whether they do or not, just saying its odd what they chose to fight about.
Another thought would be…aren’t many of the lawmakers about that age? What would that mean, Limo’s bringing them all to and from the state house? Glad they’ll be able to get where they need to go.
” Secretary of State Charlie Summers has begun an exploratory process”
THAT MEANS thousands if not tens of thousands of taxpayers money of
maine government personnel and resources will be used to ‘explore’
MAINE IS BROKE….STOP SPENDING OUR TAXPAYER MONEY ON CR-P!
than trying to blame crippled kids in wheelchairs for the all the budget problems
Almost by definition, Charlie Summers is mentally unfit for office…. WHY?
The state, like the population as a whole, is aging. Where once it was younger drivers (baby-boomers getting the first license) now it is the retirement generation (again baby-boomers); in both instances the highest accident rates were among the largest demographic.
However, now there is a significant difference in the outcome of misguided legislation, or restriction — whereas the younger demographic could be driven by older siblings, or parents, the aging one will move out of state. As is, the property tax burden is already affecting those on fixed incomes — A $4 million dollar property, in New York City, has the same tax burden as a quarter million dollar residential property in rural Maine (shocked me when I discovered that). How many places in the nation cost less and have everything in walking distance?
Charlie Summers appears to want to force the elderly to learn the answer to that question — and when they do, our population will shrink and the per-capita tax burden will increase further.
Moreover, that calculation does not factor in energy, or simply the saving in transportation costs by not having to own a vehicle. Then too there is the matter of where are the kids? The elder generation would have the option to move to the states which are already depleting our youth base.
Face it, last year Charlie Summers kicked the kids in the teeth and told them that Maine didn’t want them here … go to college in another state, get your car there, and stay away from here. The beauty? They listened and are listening.
Summers claims “We don’t want to take steps to disenfranchise older people from their independent lives.” But he is not being honest — the end to independence is exactly what he wants … because as soon as he achieves that, us over 65 types will join our kids and grandkids down south or out west.
Bill, your moving out of State arguement is closer to the truth than you thnk. The recent census has some very ugly demographic’s when you do a timeline of them in relation to Summers antic’s in he SOS office. And everytime that both Charlie and LePage open their mouth’s, the trend just get’s worse. Come November let us all vote and put a stop to this mess, once and for all. The same can be said of the State Constitutional Officer’s too. Maine has had it’s close encounter with the Twilight Zone. It’s time we got outta here and back to reality and doing what’s right for the citizen’s of Maine, not a bunch of campaign contributor’s that want to strip Maine of everything we have.
And he restricts their voting.
LePage already gave the rich elderly a tax break they didn’t need.And house prices,etc. have nothing to do with this.It’s a miracle nobody’s been hurt by these wrong way Corrigans.
ummmm,,, it’s the younger driver’s that need restrictions! wake up!!
Charlie, I’m an older conservstive who will vote for you in the fall. This topic might change my mind. Dill is looking better
My God! You are a conservative and you would even remotely consider voting for that dingbat Dill?
Someday charlie will be a senior citizen i only hope he can remember who put the laws in place when he is looking for a ride,to the store or for medication.
Probably will not affect him. He will be in Florida with Paul Lapage.
Dear Charlie,
When is the last time you had to renew your drivers license? Plan on a very long wait once you take your number. Surely the families , or doctors, or friends of older drivers can help refer them to getting tested for sight and reaction times. This is not just older drivers, this often includes people on pain medications who drive themselves to physical therapy. I suggest banning Texting while driving would be a good start. We are too quick to blame the elderly.
You’ll be sorry Charlie!
Remember those old bast**ds Vote!
Not if they can’t get to the polls (heh, heh)
Way to go Charlie. Politics 101 piss off older voters.
You’ve got have a certain amount of respect for a man who tries to alienate te core of his base during a political campaign.
watch out for the brainwashing at the registry
when you sit and wait at the registry, you watch
non stop ads starring Charlie Summers
Hopefully Charlie will be around to give all those people a ride to where they need to be going. I guess seeing the amount of young drivers and the accidents we will have to take a look at those. This is an un-balanced look.
I bet he won’t support more regional bus service in rural areas because it’s too expensive. Is anyone sick of this yet?
Wow way to go Charlie. How not to win an election. Tell older voters you might be getting ready to take away their licenses.
maine is one of the oldest states in the country,if not
number one ..and this guy wants to go nanny state on them
Where do they find these people, Secretary of State, my my, he has about as much vision as a guy wearing welding googles. God Help Us. It will take years to fix the mess this guy will make,
As I’ve said before, we should make the Sec. of State and Attorney General elective offices rather than appointive.
Bad on you. Guys wearing welding goggles have a purpose! (Google “goggle”)
Apparently his vision allows him to spell “goggles” correctly.Get off the road NOW.,
I know several seniors from small towns who drive because there are no taxis or busses available to take them to the grocery store & doctors appointments. One told me “It’s awful hard to schedule doctors appointments around the kids working hours.”
To the best of my knowledge, every town in Maine is served by a CAP (Community Action Program) that provides drivers to transport Medicare recipients to medical appointments.
Actually, they provide transportation for MaineCare (Medicaid), not Medicare. Unless a person qualifies for MaineCare they cannot get a ride by a CAP agency, unless they happen to be on the regular route and pay for the trip themselves.
We vote…………..
… now that’s dangerous.
Typical Republican Thug. Take away an old persons drivers license so they can no longer vote.
Let’s not forget it also keeps us peons off the roads, after all limo drivers for the 1% don’t like sharing the roads that “we” pay for. Yep the old let them eat cake philosophy of the rich and wanna be famous.
bunch of whiners on here? Getting unfit drivers off the road IS the issue here, and it’s a real issue. No one said ‘everyone over 65’. No one is picking on the elderly. The issue is this… if you’re unfit to drive a 3-4000 lb. (or more) vehicle on the road, then you shouldn’t be on the road. If you’re 103 years old, and still can handle a vehicle, then by all means stay on the road. But if you’re not safe for yourself, or others, you don’t get a ‘sympathy’ pass. I and my loved ones don’t deserve to get killed because someone felt sorry for grandpa. Driving is a privilege, not a right.
I think in less than 10 years most people any age will not be driving, the price of a vehicle, the cost of registration, insurance, the Maine corrosive to cars winter salt solution they put on, the cost of inspection after they have seen to it that your gas and brake lines are rusted out, all this will lead to no one retired or with a average job will be able to afford a car, now, the next issue will be, can you own and live in a house after 65, or will ya burn the house down for a dirty chimney, or slip in the tub, that seems to be where we might need to license people, ya know a license to live in your house, now, ya got a boat??
Remember this statement when your turn comes.
More big government for those claiming to support limited government.
Just remember Charlie, someday you too will be old. Maybe even have a medical problem. Or will state workers be exempt?
Watch out middleagers, you’re next. And this guy wants to be a Maine senator?
Charlie’s summer is almost over … his tiny sun is setting fast.
Meanwhile, what is the good Secretary doing about handheld cellphone use and texting, causing drivers of all ages to swerve about, endangering the lives of others on a daily basis?
Didn’t expect to vote for him, now I know I won’t !
Does he sit up at night dreaming up new ways of alienating sets of people?
Kick his smiling face out of Augusta. Just look at him, talking about taking our right to drive and smiling about it.
while your at it Charlie you ought to enforce tougher restrictions for the methadone patients that get their fix and then get behind the wheel everyday and all of the crazies out their driving on their prescription meds don’t ya think?/
He’s not worrying about them because most of them are so wrapped up in their addiction that they don’t bother to vote. Where as seniors not only vote but they educate themselves on issues. I have a feeling that if he can keep them home they won’t be able to vote against this Grover Norquist puppet.
Really. I can’t believe this statement”Summers has tasked a Bureau of Motor Vehicles Medical Advisory Board with exploring how medications and interactions between medical conditions might affect driving ability, according to Megan Sanborn, who works in the secretary of state’s office.” Makes me ask another question.
How about all the people that are on methadone that drive to and from daily dosing? Does he think that these people are not impaired? Plus we are spending how much money to keep a drug dependent person on drugs. We buy the drugs, pay for gas to get to and from daily dosing, if you don’t have a car they will help you buy one. These clinic’s are are putting people under the influence on the road.
Can we just revoke everyones license that “may” have an accident down the road? Remember election time and Maine’s older population needs to vote for their rights and taking away driving rights just because they turn an age. Each person is an individual and each case should be judged on the person not on an age. I know who I am NOT voting for!
It was explained to me at the clinic in Calais that the people who are dosed at the clinic are told to drive directly home before the methadone takes effect. Unfortunately, many of them are addicts who think of nobody but themselves and their wants and needs. They will after dosing go to WalMart, IGA, etc. to do some shopping while they are in town. All the while their methadone is starting to kick in. There have been quite a few who have nodded off on their way home.
Then lets not make it about the elderly. If you are on medication that make it dangerous you shouldn’t have that privilege 16 or 106. It shouldn’t be an age thing.
While what Summers says is true I can’t believe he said it..Howie Carr reads stories on air about this all the time..I thought I was hitting the brake is always the reason for the accident , usually crashing into a store or running folks down on the sidewalk…Or more recently here flipping her SUV at a toll booth…LOL…My friend was T-Boned at an intersection by an old lady , nose on the steering wheel of her old Oldsmobile stareing straight ahead..I didn’t see the stop sign she said though she lived on the street and knew it was there..Another time a couple pulled into my wifes friend’s driveway and just sat there..After a bit they went out to see what the problem was…The couple forgot how to get home..They left before the cops got there and I don’t know how it worked out..I was almost broadsided in Camden last summer on Rt. 1 by a lady in her 80s..She didn’t see the stop sign either…The other day an old guy backed into another car in Walmart and tried to drive off but others flagged him down..He didn’t know he hit another car….Point is I have had more close calls by old folks than kids texting…
And how many incidents and fatalaties have been caused by teens and twenty somethings testing or talking on their cell phones? Last year I recall a teen that drove around a road closed sign that was 4′ x 6′, with cones on either side, traveled another block and into an open ditch with cones in place in Calais. I wonder what that teen was doing? I see young people all the time who have no clue as to any outside noise, like sirens or horns, due to them haveing earplugs in with music at god knows what volume or with boom boxes and base thumping that can heard blocks away.
Let’s face it there are all sorts of people being distracted by all sorts of things.
I am also a midcoaster and have “almost” been hit head on from so many out of staters passing in no passing zones on routes 1 and 3 this summer it makes me wonder why they are in such a hurry. You should have a kid on the phone, on your side of the road headed towards you, might change your way of thinking ( couldn’t tell if in or out of stater on that one) to busy looking where I was going if he didn’t get back on his side of the road. Most of them are young to middle age, some with kids in their cars. We all have had almost and close calls. Should we stop all out of staters from driving Maine roads? Should we try to get the ones that are unsafe off? Lets target the ones that are causing the problems and not use age as the guide line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMPzRXYexLI
why would god cut down 9 people in the prime of their lives by an elderly woman who perhaps shouldn’t have been driving?
I would make a wager that the number of people killed each year by inexperienced young drivers far out paces that of seniors.
does getting tougher mean they still get to vote? better check the fine print.
What a bunch of whiners. Drama central right here. He didn’t state anyone over 65. There will just be stricter testing. AS IT SHOULD BE.
Nanny State, hang in there. Summers will be gone after the November elections.
I think that this should be revisited. I know of older people who are driving around that shouldn’t be. For instance, I know of one older gentleman in his late 80’s who drives in the ditch, down the middle of the road etc., He has a bad hip. His wife will once in awhile take the car out for a spin and she has cataracts…I know, I know – the vision test! Somehow she has escaped having her license pulled. I work for a doctor and many times I have seen some very elderly folks leave, they can barely hear, have a hard time walking and we will tell them, “be careful when you leave, it’s one way on the way out.” And I will look out and they they do just the opposite of what you have told them, all you can do is pray that they make it out safe on the busy strip. As with our teens we need to find a way to keep them safe. I think that perhaps they should have another road test after a certain age, I think 65 is a little too early in this day and age as we have some young 65ers!
I know people of all ages who are driving around and shouldn’t be. In fact, we could probably task a group to study how deadly driving is and get us all off the road. AND think of the money we’d save. Isn’t it funny how the Republicans will take an idea (in this case granny state) and drive it to its extreme? Take good care of us old folks Charlie.
That’s so they can’t get to the voting booths to vote his can out of office. CharLie Webster would hide all the vans so the volunteers couldn’t use them.
Did you vote for Secretary of State in the last election? I know I didn’t. Come to think of it I have never voted for Secretary of State in Maine. Either you have never voted in Maine or you are confused over who we directly vote for in Maine.
He is running for the Senate in Nov. Votes needed then and there are a lot of these Seniors that still vote.
If you read the original post it makes mention of “voting his can out of office”. Secretary Summers doesn’t hold an office that is elected by the people of Maine.
BUT he can be voted OUT by dumping the Republican majority which appointed him. No Republican majority, no Charlie Summers See how that works voted out of office.
I’ve seen your screen name all over, and it is always attached to an attack on other posters, NEVER with a helpful suggestion.
Yes he can be voted out of office by the legislature. Which is what my post said.
I am honored that you follow my post. But you just attacked me….isn’t that what you said I do? Pot meet Kettle.
I did not “attack” you at all. Examples to follow:
You attack other posters. That is a truth, not an attack.
This would be an example of an attack:
“Ask your teacher what the difference is. Hope you are able to advance from elementary to Junior High eventually.”
See the difference?
Tell yeah what Mark…flag my post if you think I “attack” other posters or call the BDN and complain. If they agree with you they will revoke my posting privileges.
I didn’t attack you or anyone else. Maybe I was direct but attack…sorry no.
Hope you have a wonderful evening.
I truly believe that only pussies “flag”. I’m not a big fan of calling authorities. You and I have a disagreement. It isn’t anyone’s business but ours.
He’s not the only one who does that.I can think of at least a few others.
I see it’s too hard for you.
1. We vote the R’s out in November.
2. The D’s throw his can out in January.
I would like to vote for this office, though.
No difficult at all. But aside from the insult I agree that we should vote for the Constitutional offices here in Maine.
You’re accusing me of insulting you when your post was patronizing and sarcastic? I simply pointed out that you aren’t ready for two step problems yet.
When my parents were older, my father wanted to continue to drive way beyond when he should have. As family, we tried to get him to stop, but didn’t have much success for quite a while. He shouldn’t have been on the road.
In general, I do not like the goverment telling me what to do, but in a case such as with my family, it would have been extremely helpful for the state to be more stringent in testing and to have given us some leverage.
We’ve all been behind elderly drivers who CLEARLY cannot see the road and drive all over the place. In exchange for having safer roads, as I age I am willing to submit to stronger testing as well.
Thank you Charlie Summers for doing your job even if it might cost you the election.
Careful Charlie, this is the group that does vote.
If he takes away the older voters license they will not be allowed to vote. This is the Republican plan, if your old, no license no proof to vote. The Republicans have done this in 18 states so far. No photo license you can’t vote any longer. Wake up people this is the New Tea Republican Party Plan. Take away your right to vote.
Good old Charlie. Loves tougher driving laws for the young and old. Yup. Let’s chink away at their freedom a bit more, after all, they’re groups of citizens ripe for the picking. Meanwhile, turn a blind eye to the spate of home invasions, the upsurge in violent crimes, the rampant prescription drug abuse and the influx of out-of-state welfare cheats usurping our resources. Hard to imagine this guy is a republican who touts limited government
Maybe he figures that he’ll gets elected to another office qickly so that he will not go after the older group—-WILL NOT WORK THAT WAY!!! Why not go after the DRUNKS, TEENS THAT KILL WHILE TEXTING, THE UNDER 25 GROUP!!! Seem thats all you hear about today—just read in this paper that a teen that killed someone with a car got 15 days in jail, go figure. Easy way to commit MURDER.
How are all the over 65 politicians going to get to work?
Better tread carefully, Mr. Summers. The older population – boomers on up – have a heightened sense of concern about maintaining their independence. So think carefully about your bright idea before you make it public. And whatever you do, don’t even think about comparing them to younger wild and crazy drivers who make a conscious decision to show no concern for anyone else who’s sharing the same roads.
I drive busy streets every day and the majority of people I’ve witnessed pulling outrageous stunts are not granny and grampy. They’re much younger and only concerned with showing off or getting to their destination five times faster than anyone else is.
if you are near 40 years old,
65 years old of age will come up on you, lightening fast
Rely on a bus to get you around?:
old people and teenager punks ride buses.
remember that old lady on a bus that got harassed by
teenagers in greece ny …. thats whats waiting for you
if charlie sumners gets his way
Politically, I disagree with almost everything Charlie Summers stands for…and I am most definitely NOT a Democrat, either. And, I almost qualify as a senior.
But sometimes, some common sense might come forth, even from Charlie, if he isn’t grandstanding.
Here is the thing, you can be a poor driver at any age.
If, as a society we are truly interested in road safety, we need to retest after the initial license. (not just “renew” every four years, instead of six–what does that solve?)
Why not do it on a periodic schedule that is easy to remember: ten year anniversaries from your very first license?
Thus, start at age 16 for example. Then, at age 26 you get another written, vision (BTW, a REAL vision test, by a licensed optometrist!), and road test.
Same at ages 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96, 106, etc. , on 10-year anniversaries of whatever age you started. If you fail, you have 30 days to study up, get retrained, get new eyeglasses so you might pass the tests again.
People can be a menace on the road at any age: drinking/drug problems, arrogance, inexperience, simple lack of knowledge.
Expensive, you say? Factor the cost of hospital bills, rehab, police, ambulance, fire, road workers, etc. Not to mention deaths.
What is THAT cost? Within a generation or two, the culture behind the wheel would change, and people would stop thinking they could drive * just fine after a few drinks…* and other poor presumptions.
If we are truly serious about road safety….and not just grandstanding.
this is what typically happens to people 65 and older who ride buses with
teenage punks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jA2QdOkr8M
In some legal circles this is called age discrimination and peoples civil rights are being violated by this Republican Stooge. He is totally oblivious to the most dangerous thing while driving, CELL PHONE USE especially TEXTING.
This is precisely the reason every State in the Union has taken the unconstitutional step of issuing the “driver’s license” as a “privilege”.
Are you aware that “The State” may remove your “driving privilege” for any reason, or no reason? Are you aware that States now routinely remove “driving privileges” for reasons totally unrelated to driving or the ability to drive?
crap
I don’t agree with Summers very often, but he is on the right track with this. I have long advocated annual road-testing for seniors over the age of 70 or so. A senior’s motor skills can deteriorate rapidly, possibly without the driver being aware of the deterioration.
I more often swerve to avoid middle aged and young drivers than I do older drivers. Why make re-testing age dependent? Any age cut-off you pick would be arbitrary at best.
We don’t need more laws or restriction on people over 65 years of age, what we need is restrictions on people like Charlie in Government, a reduction in size, salaries, health insurance and pensions for State and Federal officials! Our Government at both State and Federal levels has become too powerful, much too large and is only concerned about taking care of themselves!
Finally Charlie does something right!Politicians have long avoided this issue due to AARP and fear of losing votes.This needs to pass now and get these people off the road!They’re more dangerous than drunks!
“These people” will eventually be us….If we are lucky.
//\
AARP is gonna tear Charlie a new one. So much for that Senate seat he wanted.
Part of the Republican plan to keep seniors from the polls.
Risk Management for safe driving and license suspensions should not be age based..it should be driving record based. Charlie Summers seems to have missed a whole chapter on discrimination because of race age or gender…
My beloved red jeep wrangler convertible (2001) was nearly totaled in an accident caused by a young driver ..her third accident in the one year since she got her license and I believe I heard her say at the scene she was only weeks after a license suspension. She is still driving.
The people I see causing the most risk where I live are young men , driving big trucks while drinking beer smoking pot , speeding and riding right in the middle of the road.
Sound licensing policy and risk management should be history and performance based and mercilessly aggressive ( permanent suspensions) for repeat offeders or one time reckless drivers who cause injury to others.
There also needs to be some sound and fair system for medical driving suspensions for those with certain brain injuries or cognitive disabilities or those on medications that impair alertness, judgment and coordination. Families who try responsibly to get their loved one’s out from behind the wheel get no help or support at all from licensing or from insurance companies..
But not age based. Not age biased.
Careful Lindasy. You’re making the case for an objective and demonstrated system that’s based on performance and reasoning. That’s something that Charlie’s been short on recently considering he’s been kicked to the curb on Same Day Registration and the overide vote.
Seems to have hit a sore spot with the AARP crowd.
All they have is sore spots.
My grandmother held her Maine license until age 94 without a single accident or ticket.
I would guess that this isn’t about age and driving, but about the orders Charlie has to throw the Senate election to Angus King. Charlie must know that “older drivers” are a significant and reliable voting block in this State.
I have awhile to go before I get to this classification, but, I am old enough to know I will get there, probably sooner than I am ready.
It’s too bad some folks try to politicize everything. I think Charlie’s just saying there’s a problem, and what (if anything) can or should be done about it.
Hey Charles, I see you are trying to start a stink so’s to keep your name in print. Kinda like a free campaign ad. Well, here’s one that will put you on top. How about hassling the big bad Harley men with their straight pipes and deafening exhaust noise from their motorcycles. Trouble is you ain’t got the guts. Only thing you want to do is hassle old people.
Just like Charlie said their was a problem with voter fraud last year; then couldn’t find any. Perhaps he wants young drivers and old drivers taken off the road so they will not be able to get photo id’s and therefore will not be able to vote when he and Webster pass their phony voter fraud law.
“I want to die in my sleep like my grandmother, not screaming like her passengers.”
-George Washington
George Washington? Methinks thou dost jest Sir!
I will throw in my conspiracy theory!
The B*N loves Angus King. Dill does not have a snowballs chance in Hades! Maybe the B*N published this article as a way to stir up those 189,000 elderly voters against Summers.
Do I think that? No! But it is no more ridiculous than some others that are posted on this thread!
Many of us prefer Angus King. That conspiracy may be called democracy, but I’d have to check with Webster before I’d dare make a political claim.
My theory (proposed in jest) was that B*N might be party to a conspiracy. However, since you (and many others) will be voting for King it is probably an act of “representative democracy” but I wouldn’t swear to that either!
Recently a young woman followed me from Ellsworth to Holden tailgating all the way. In her left hand she held a cell phone. Now and then she would remove her right hand from the steering wheel of her car and wave it about as if the person she was talking to could see her!
No, I was not “slow-poking!” I was driving at, or near, the speed limit the entire time except when traffic in front of me made that impossible.
There are drivers who become impaired with age and should be tested for physical or mental disabilities before their license is renewed. However, they are in the minority. I am a 78 year old driver. Over the years I have assembled a collection of sports cars. I will put my driving ability (and one of those cars) up against anyone other than a race driver – and no I do not drive like a race driver on public roads!
I guess Charlie was getting bored. He was probably walking around the office asking other people what they were doing. He probably finished the sudoku puzzle, read the obituaries, and sharpened his pencils. It wasn’t quite time for lunch. Then his gaze fell on an old newspaper article about an elderly driver going the wrong way on Interstate 95, and he had a thought. “Call the press,” he then told Megan Sanborn.
Now, I have a question, if Charlie restricts and removes the elderly licenses at 65, does this mean that the 65 years old and up flatlanders dragging winny’s up here have free reign on our highways??
this is a great idea . every time i ride up on these ‘has been people’ , i rev my pipes, and
the old dummies dont know if to go right or left. the age people dont no how to drive is 60 years old is old…..get them people off the roads!
old is old,stay off our roads!
LOUD PIPES SAVES LIVES
. . .the age people dont “no” how to drive is 60 years! . . .get “them” people off the roads! Stay off “our” roads?
The roads belong to all taxpaying citizens!
You rev your pipes? Loud pipes saves lives? You reveal yourself to be a dumb, illiterate , F.O.S. bully! YOU are the dangerous one on the road!