I have a real window on the world here where I sit on Washington Street in Oregon. I can watch people walking by or pulling up in their cars to shop in downtown Oregon or stop by for a quick coffee.
I see all kinds of people every day, and it can be a welcome distraction from staring at a computer screen editing content. (Yes, smarty pants, I do actually edit things).
I notice there are plenty of older drivers in the area – and there is nothing wrong with that. My father is north of 80 and drives all over the place, including five and six hour trips in the large state of Arizona, where he lives.
But on the rare occasion, I will see an older driver who might want to think about giving up the keys. These are people who are barely mobile and can take a long time getting into and out of a vehicle.
If you have lost that kind of mobility, maybe driving a piece of heavy metal down the road that requires quick reaction times to operate safely just isn’t something you should be doing. We will all probably be safer if you didn’t.
I understand the worry about a loss of freedom. I get it totally. Once I got my driver’s license at 16, I was out and about and haven’t stopped since. I love to be able to hop in my car – or Jeep, in my case – and go where I want when I want.
Yes, total freedom.
And that is what many older drivers are afraid they will lose, according to a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey. Most older drivers also don’t ever talk with family or a doctor about their driving ability. Losing independence is a real concern.
Again, I understand. But I also agree with the recommendation in the study that says family members should discuss this topic with older relatives. It can help keep them and others on the road safe. It could save lives.
I have had this talk with my dad, who is a very cautious driver. I hope when the time comes he will make the right decision.
It is important to remember that most older drivers are safe drivers. When we get older, we have a lot of experience to draw on, so we aren’t as likely to by flying around in our vehicles, practically inviting catastrophe. That kind of stupidity is saved for the young, mostly.
But, let’s be honest, there are some older folks who should probably leave the driving to others. I get behind older drivers in big cars that are going 20-plus mph under the speed limit and have zero lane discipline more often that I would like. This makes me not only worry for my safety and theirs, but anyone else who might be coming down the road.
I recently saw a man leave a business in Rockford and walk about 40 feet to his car. It took him nearly 10 minutes to make the trip, as he was very frail and had severe mobility problems. Yet, he fired up his vehicle and drove off.
I don’t care who you are – that is scary.
Again, most older drivers are safe. But people need to have this conversation with older relatives. It could save their lives and the lives of others.
