Is 77 Too Old to Drive Truck ??

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by 123456, Feb 10, 2011.

  1. rocknroll81

    rocknroll81 Road Train Member

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    Age had nothing to do with that accident, it had to do with the time of day and it messed up his circadian rythem and although he was awake, his mind was asleep at the wheel that's why no skid marks. He was off duty for like 3-4 days and then went back to his work shift in the middle of the night and that is what screwed up his sleep rythem. You can go to ntsb.gov look for board meetings and then scroll down until you see some wording on the accident, it's all there including pictures. Be forwarned it's not good.
     
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  3. Irondog

    Irondog Light Load Member

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    I'm with most people on this. I think it's a case by case sort of thing. Maybe a more comprehensive test after 65 and then every year thereafter.
     
  4. NoWayNoHow

    NoWayNoHow Light Load Member

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    78 may be too old to be driving a gas tanker, although they never reported what the suspected cause was. US 50 has some treacherous places on it; easy to go off and over. I guess it's good he didn't take anyone with him.

    http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_17237527
     
  5. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    My dad is 84, and still drives a heavy duty wrecker.

    In fact, quite a few of our customers ask for him over our younger drivers.

    I guess it just depends.........
     
  6. formertaxidriver

    formertaxidriver Heavy Load Member

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    I read a lot of it. You're right. EOBR's, front facing video cameras. Hmmm. In some ways, it can save those that do right. But for the rest, it's the intrusive govt. argument. What we do is private, right?

    I can't see the truck crash chasing lawyers ever letting this happen. Their gravy train would derail.
     
  7. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I am 55, and I really don't want the hassle of that. And I personally won't need to go to that extreme for at least another 30 years because I am only as old as I think and I am a great driver and I have all my ducks in a row and I have not had an accident since I can't remember and just because I'm old I should not be discriminated against.


    What a PITA, but, over 60 - for any class - you should have to pass a driving test every year. Road, plus written.
     
  8. Broken Spoke

    Broken Spoke Medium Load Member

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    I saw this lady driveing a big truck! [​IMG]
     
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  9. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Seriously, she appears healthier than some drivers I see out there !!!!
     
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  10. formertaxidriver

    formertaxidriver Heavy Load Member

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    Where did you get that photo of me?????????
    Least you could have done was photoshop out my walker!:biggrin_25525:
     
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  11. Rerun8963

    Rerun8963 Road Train Member

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    yes, 77 IS TOO OLD to drive....
    at a former employer of mine, we had a driver that was 80 and still driving. in fact, he'd go down there on I-95 to Jersey every saturday and sunday...sometimes once or twice during the week...!!!

    good God almighty....80 years old, big rig, down I-95.....!!

    he finally had to RETIRE as he could not pass his DOT physical eye test....

    to me, i think that since mandatory retirement is what, 60 for pilots, and other occupations like police, fire have mandatory retirements, so should trucking...and i'd go for 65, maybe 68 tops.......

    that does take away from those that are above 68 out of the picture, even if they are healthier then most 25 year olds, but its the reflex action i would be thinking about, and i just do not see anyone over 65, let alone 68 that has great reflexes as when they were younger.

    and by the way, a senior citizens reflex time has been studied many times, just look it up..
     
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