freeSpeech: Dr. Andrew Haas

Doctor Speaks About The Dangers Of Elderly Drivers

(CBS)  On July 23, 2005, I was on a routine training ride, about 25 miles into a Saturday afternoon ride, when I was hit by a car. A 75-year-old man turned left and drove right into me. He managed to crack my bike in half and unfortunately, did almost the same to my body.

He received a $128 fine. My sentence was three months in a hospital, more than a half dozen operations and an experience where I was as close to dying as one could be.

The fact that he was an elderly driver was not a surprise to me because of the incredible number of elderly drivers who are involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Drivers should have continuing driver education every 10 years in order to ensure that they are up to date with the most recent changes in driver safety. Additionally, states should require road test license recertification at age 65, and every license renewal thereafter to ensure that the people who are driving the vehicles have the competence and fitness to do so safely.

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Dr. Andrew Haas is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine. He performed his undergraduate training at Yale University prior to attending medical school in New York at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His orthopaedic training was at Montefiore Medical Center in New York which was followed by a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Boston University. While there he took care of the Boston University Intercollegiate Athletic Program, including the Top 10 ranked hockey team. He has worked as a physician at the Boston Marathon, at the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships, and at the NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Championships, and the ECAC East Women's Hockey Championships. He was also the Co-Medical Director and Tournament Orthopaedist for the Orange Classic International Soccer Championship.

[rcm6046]

Dr. Haas could not be more correct. Many years ago, I had to force a western state to revoke the driver's license of an elderly close relative that had been legally blind for over 20 years. "One size fits all licensing is simply a tragedy looking for a place to happen". Please, wherever you live, tell your legislators your concern ... and, if you are a senior citizen, as I am, make a responsible self-evaluation, at least annually, before you turn the key.

[shado2428]

I AGREE WITH DR.HAAS ABOUT DRIVER TESTING BUT IT SHOULD NOT ONLY BE FOR OLDER PEOPLE BUT FOR ALL.I HAVE HAD MORE YOUNG PEOPLE DRIVING LIKE THEY NEVER LEARNED THE RULES OF THE ROAD.IF EVERYONE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RETEST EVERY 10 YEARS THEY MIGHT REMEMBER HOW TO DRIVE.I AM 51 AND I WOULD NOT MIND RETESTING EVERY TEN YEARS IF NOT SOONER.
RICHARD C. VICKERY

[bbarn777]

As a Senior, I agree that some sort of exam is required to assure that adult drivers of any age retain competency.A testing program of every 10 years at age 40 that accellerates to every license renewal at age 75 makes a lot of sense.

BUT, Dr. Haas is a member of a group, bicyclists, that contribute significantly to hazardous driving conditions. As a group, bicyclists seem to feel they are entitled to share the road on an equal basis with cars, trucks, and semi-trailers simply because they also travel on wheels. In rural areas, bicycles routinely tour in packs, sometimes 2 or more abreast, on twisting, narrow, scenic roads that do not have a bicycle lane and barely offer enough width for a car or truck to travel safely. In cities, bicycles cut across lanes of traffic with little or no warning. Most bicyclists, when encountering traffic, seem to adopt a "Sailboat attitude" - since I am unpowered I have the right of way and powered wheeled vehicles must make room for me!

Who knows what "signals" Dr. Haas presented to the driver, signals that could be misinterpreted or not easily seen. Dr. Haas, unless you are travelling in a designated bikelane, you and your bicycle are intruding into the pathway that is designated for motorized vehicles, not the other way around.

Ron Harper

[rehabdoc389]

As a physician specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine, I am very familiar in treating patients with severe injuries. The injuries sustained by Dr. Haas are unfortunate, but his anger is misplaced and perhaps masks an underlying bias against the elderly. Would he be similarly outraged and demand road test recertification if he had been struck by a 30 year-old driver? Statistically, elderly drivers are involved in fewer MVA's on a per capita basis than drivers in their teens or 20s. While physical skills gradually diminish with age, most elderly drivers are aware of their limitations unlike most younger drivers. Ms. Couric should apologize for this highly biased presentation.

[n1646h]

I agree in part and disagree in part with Dr. Haas. I agree that there should be retesting; I disagree that it should occur every year.

I am basing my comments on the fact that I am a private pilot and have been for over 20 years. I fly for a hobby, not for business.

My ability to fly is a privilege, not a right. Driving is also a privilege, not a right. For me to maintain my privilege, I must take and pass a flight physical every two years. This is not merely an eye exam, but includes a complete physical exam. If I do not pass the physical exam, my flying days are over. I must also pass a proficiency exam every two years. That includes a review of all of the laws and regulations as well as a flight proficiency exam where I have to perform all of the same manuevers that I was required to perform, to the same tolerances, when I was originally licensed 20 years ago (can you spell parallel parking?).

I am not advocating a complete physical for drivers every two years, but certainly a practical exam demonstrating proficiency in the automobile on an every other year basis is not asking too much. What about a review of the laws as well. How many of you can tell me right now who has the right of way at a four way stop?

[joel1238]

Dr. Hass sounds like most bike riders. They feel that they own the roads and that they have no need to obey any of the laws that apply to them. These same bike riders have not paid for the service of these roads. If anyone needs to be re-examined, I feel that the bicyclist need a licensing test to allow them to ride along side cars and realize the risk that they take on by doing so. What if Dr. Hass would have turned into the old man?? Would Dr. Hass' insurance on his bike pay for damages?? Would his license be given points?? Would he be fined?????

[joel1238]

Dr. Hass sounds like most bike riders. They feel that they own the roads and that they have no need to obey any of the laws that apply to them. These same bike riders have not paid for the service of these roads. If anyone needs to be re-examined, I feel that the bicyclist need a licensing test to allow them to ride along side cars and realize the risk that they take on by doing so. What if Dr. Hass would have turned into the old man?? Would Dr. Hass' insurance on his bike pay for damages?? Would his license be given points?? Would he be fined?????

[joel1238]

Dr. Hass sounds like most bike riders. They feel that they own the roads and that they have no need to obey any of the laws that apply to them. These same bike riders have not paid for the service of these roads. If anyone needs to be re-examined, I feel that the bicyclist need a licensing test to allow them to ride along side cars and realize the risk that they take on by doing so. What if Dr. Hass would have turned into the old man?? Would Dr. Hass' insurance on his bike pay for damages?? Would his license be given points?? Would he be fined?????

[joel1238]

Dr. Hass sounds like most bike riders. They feel that they own the roads and that they have no need to obey any of the laws that apply to them. These same bike riders have not paid for the service of these roads. If anyone needs to be re-examined, I feel that the bicyclist need a licensing test to allow them to ride along side cars and realize the risk that they take on by doing so. What if Dr. Hass would have turned into the old man?? Would Dr. Hass' insurance on his bike pay for damages?? Would his license be given points?? Would he be fined?????

[joel1238]

Dr. Hass sounds like most bike riders. They feel that they own the roads and that they have no need to obey any of the laws that apply to them. These same bike riders have not paid for the service of these roads. If anyone needs to be re-examined, I feel that the bicyclist need a licensing test to allow them to ride along side cars and realize the risk that they take on by doing so. What if Dr. Hass would have turned into the old man?? Would Dr. Hass' insurance on his bike pay for damages?? Would his license be given points?? Would he be fined?????

[joel1238]

Dr. Hass sounds like most bike riders. They feel that they own the roads and that they have no need to obey any of the laws that apply to them. These same bike riders have not paid for the service of these roads. If anyone needs to be re-examined, I feel that the bicyclist need a licensing test to allow them to ride along side cars and realize the risk that they take on by doing so. What if Dr. Hass would have turned into the old man?? Would Dr. Hass' insurance on his bike pay for damages?? Would his license be given points?? Would he be fined??

[joel1238]

sorry about all the postings There was no indication that it had posted.

JB

[thysaint45]

I am a police officer in Big Rapids, MI. Each year we see an increase in two types of bad drivers; teenagers and elderly. Teenagers usually get their licenses revoked, or the parents take them away. The Secretary of State seems reluctant to do the same for elderly, and children of the elderly don't want to be burdened with driving their parents around. Accidents with elderly are common, because they didn%u2019t see, and are slow to react. Like Dr Haas, I was hit by a 67 yo driving a semi truck on 4/15/05. I was on a motorcycle. He didn't see me, and only knew something was wrong because my motorcycle was stuck under his tire. He got an $80 ticket. I got 3 surgeries, 6 months rehab, a metal plate, 6 screws and 1 bolt to keep for lifetime. One week before my accident one of our fireman, Zach Hull, was killed when an elderly driver pulled out infront of him. Zach's dad, a fireman too, was first on scene. Imagine that. Three week ago one of our officers was the rear guard for the high school homecoming parade; kids, floats, clowns, etc. An elderly lady tried to drive by him to get to the Pharmacy. He was in a fully marked police car, lights/sirens going. This is just one of many incidents we can recall with elderly drivers. There needs to be a better review process. I refer every elderly driver to SOS that is involved in an accident, but the process usually involves a written test, eye check, a driving test, and out the door. Something has to be done, just my thoughts. Sean Shantz

[schon4]

I am sorry Dr. Andrew Haas had an unfortunate encounter with an elderly driver, however, instead of condemning older drivers, persue the inattention of those drivers on cell phones, adjusting their radios/stereos, putting on make-up, eating fast food, being distracted by other passengers in the car, etc. Bicyclists have the same responsibility as licensed vehicle drivers and as such should obey all traffic laws. They should also take into consideration it is difficult for all drivers to see them on the road. I find driving to be a full-time job.

[awbkeywest]

I wish Dr. Hass (or anyone) had never been hit by a car. Evidently, you are naive Dr. Andrew Haas. You can not believe that "One size fits all licensing for seniors."

Many seniors have moved to Florida. Just look at "The Villages" in Lady Lake, Florida. They have extremely active lives and are sharper than most young. A lot of high school kids don't have any good sense. Many Kids are high on drugs or drinking. Dr. Andrew Haas faulted thinking doesn't account for ages between 16 and 64. He says we "should require road test license recertification at age 65 and every license renewal thereafter"...

I guess Dr. Haas won't be running for any political office in his life time, because seniors have the highest Voter turn-out and they are the largest registered Voter group. On the other hand, young adults have the least...

In addition, Dr. Haas won't be starting a Geriatrics Office any his life time, either.

Dr. Hass needs to get immediate treatment for his medical condition known as "Inverted *** Cranium Disorder."

Again, I wish Dr. Hass (or anyone) had never been hit by a car. If he had been accidently hit by a 30 year old black woman, would his view be skewed towards a different group, rather than 75-year-old man (seniors)?

[kailumego1]

There's a such thing as driving "offensively" and "defensively", unfortunately most drivers drive offensively, which is not carefully casing your surroundings, and this occurs with the young and old. I%u2019ve seen plenty of non-fatal and fatal accidents involving young drivers. So, not only should older drivers be forced into re-evaluation, but, also, younger drivers, whom appear to be even more careless and reckless.

[swallace13-2009]

Not a very intelligent commentator. If the person who hit him had been a redhead, would he endorse the same restrictions on all redheads? The doctor needs to grow up because he will...if he's lucky...someday grow old.

[jabusario]

For the past week or so, the networks have been pestering us with images of an 86 year old woman who crashed through a wall and ended up inside a building. Usually, incidents involving elderly drivers rate as highly on an entertainment scale as a crash and burn of a private business jet. Those who wish to curb elderly driving have picked a poor time to get something done about it. The median age of Americans is at an all time high. In congress the average age is 60 now.
While driving is a privilage, not a right, your vehicle ranks right up there with your house as a necessity. But none of this matters anyway. The likelyhood of legislation curbing elderly drivers is about equal to Scarlet Johansson rapping on your front door and pushing you back to the bedroom.

[vanwijck]

Dr. Haas has some motivation for his comments, his solution, targeting the age group of the 'perp' as a greater source incompetence fails to correlate with reality. The "true" incidence of driver competence can be read from actuarian tables better than from any anecdotal reports of victems such as the doctor or policemen, working the scene. If elderly drivers' accident rates would be so much higher, the insurance rates would become unaffordable to them and eliminate them as participants in the game!
Cocerns about declining competence and skills should be addressed by increasing testing frequecy as drivers age by reducing the interval of driving license renewal after, say, age 65 and including some motor skill tests (like the ones adminestered by policemen when suspecting drivers to under the influence).

[mybrooks]

I have to say I agree with Dr.Andrew, just as our teenagers are monitored for good driving, our aging population should be monitored as well. As we get older our senses and motor skills are not as optimal as they are when we are young. I don't think the small inconvenience of taking these extra steps to insure that you are not putting others at risk is a small step that could save someone's life. Each and every life is important and if new legislation can save just one life that would be worth it. Just think that one life could be your own or a that of a loved one.

[remotegirl]

Dr. Haas presents a powerful and convincing case, and I agree with him. My dad drove cars for 70 years -- from 9 to 79. On the last day he ever drove, my son Dan and I were following him home from a restaurant where we had met for lunch. We couldn't believe how poorly he controlled the car, weaving and going off the edge of the road. If there had been pedestrians, he surely would have hit one. Dan and I confronted Dad when we got home. He was angry and hurt, but he must have agreed with us because he never drove his car again. He allowed me to pick him up every day for lunch and errands, and he died peacefully of emphysema a few months later. Although thankfully my dad didn't hurt or kill himself or anyone else with his bad driving, it would have been easier on us all if he had been required to re-qualify for driving at certain ages as he grew older. I certainly would have no problem with having to do that myself.

[jimc52]

Dr. Haas is not mentioning all the crazy things I see bicylists do...weaving in and out of heavy traffic, ignoring red lights and running intersections oblivious to heavy traffic; riding down narrow country roads with no shoulders; wearing dark clothing at night with no front or rear lights or reflectors; riding double and triple in masses or groups. These are adults like Dr. Haas I see every day, same age group...obviously not elderly and totally obnoxious. It is this very group of young and middle aged that need to take traffic school and get a license. I think people on bicycles should have to pass the same driving test as auto drivers and PAY he same insurance rates as auto drivers. Maybe they would take the traffic laws seriously instead of acting and sounding like victems. I am 56 and I DON'T need re-education on how to drive to see the STUPID and INCONSIDERATE things bicyclists do every day I drive. Perhaps bicycles should be outlawed as non-motorized vehicles which present a road hazard to safety.