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And, judging by the driving I see on the surrey driving lessons, there is plenty of bad driving  among the young: speeding, tailgating, lack of signaling. These drivers are not 70, I bet.

Most seniors realize when they should quit driving, and do. Others do it when a doctor or family member suggests it. The seniors would have to be warehoused in assisted living if the writer’s idea were enforced.

Not every elderly person could toddle onto a bus while loaded down with groceries, or could afford a grocery store’s online service.

I also use the Fairfax Connector bus to get from the Springfield Mall parking area to the Metro stop. This bus route is great. I notice that many passengers say thanks to the drivers, myself included. We thank them simply because they get us to our destination on time and deal with the traffic and, hopefully, don’t get the abuse other bus drivers do.

So, no to testing only those older than 70. That is not old by today’s life spans and working life. It’s prejudice. Let’s look around at who’s causing the accidents.

Peggy Speelman, Fairfax Station

DG: The letter from A. Maarten Singelenberg of Rockville suggested testing the driving skills of people 70 and older every two years, and it indeed drew many responses. Writers, who included older drivers, were divided on testing. But a recurring theme — expressed by those for and against testing — was that we don’t have a system of public transportation suited to helping seniors maintain their mobility without driving.

Transit shortage

This letter picked up on Singelenberg’s reference to what Germany does to help the elderly.

Dear Dr. Gridlock:

Regarding testing older drivers: Clearly, this is a necessary step. Some older drivers are a danger to themselves and others. However, Germany’s “wonderful solution” of providing free public transportation is not readily adaptable to this country. The United States is a much larger country, sorely lacking in public transport other than in cities. Where I live and where many others live, there is no bus or train system to carry people to stores, doctors, friends and so forth.

So, shall we test only those who live within an area that serves the public, and let the rural folk manage as best they can?

R. Estes, Kent Island, Md.

DG: This is an excellent point today, and it will become even more of a worry as the suburbs continue to gray. There have certainly been improvements in public transportation in the suburbs, but we’re not devoting the resources to keep up with the shifting needs of an aging population.