At what point in life should you hand over your keys?
I think that certainly must be examined on an individual basis. I began to be frightened with my Dad's driving when he was 78+-, but that fear was influenced by the fact that macular degeneration was beginning to be a factor with him. He drove FAST. And I didn't think his vision and reaction time were sufficient for his physical condition.
I just turned 77. Of course, I feel perfectly safe to drive. But am I?
I find myself being distracted by stupid stuff these days. (What's that bright shiny object over there?!)
More and more I'm getting a "buzz" from the rumble strips we find alongside our highways these days-
"Brrrrrrrap"!
Thank Goodness for 'em.
I had a friend (named "Finis", believe it or not. His parents decided he absolutely was their LAST child!)
Finis's car, a BIG Ford LTD, had battle scars all over it. Finis smiled and said he "Parked by feel".
I tried to keep my car as far away as possible from where I knew Finis would be parking his TANK.
I don't wanta be like Finis.
But I sure understand what it is like to be facing the situation where I have to forfeit my key FOB.
What d'ya think? When should it be apparent that a "Seasoned Citizen" should resort to calling a cab?
20 March 2024
Too Old To Drive?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I feel ya. Several years ago I was the only sibling brave enough to bring it to my Stepfather's attention (he was 80 then). He refused to think about it. Even now (at 86) he doesn't want to give up the keys (seen as his independence). It's a hard decision to make as a family, to have to be responsible to take him places, etc, but better in the end so someone else doesn't get killed on the road for their negligence.
I once had a mother-in-law that turned over her keys, and sold her car, after she swiped a construction barrel due to an eye problem. On the other hand, my mother wasn't wanting to give up her keys even after taking off a mirror by hitting a trash can and later destroying two tires after hitting a curb.
When's the best time? I really don't know, but eventually a police officer will probably tell you it is.
At 79, I find driving at night to be challenging.
My mother wouldn't stop driving and would cross a busy four lane highway with no regard for traffic signals. She went every morning to a MacDonald for free coffee and gossip with friends. I disconnected the negative battery cable at the frame of her Ford van, disguising what I had done. Her neighbors would jump start her van and couldn't understand why it died as soon as the jumper cables were disconnected.
I remember going to see my wife's grand uncle. Mike was an old timber cruiser
He got a ticket going 60 on a 35pmh country road. His kids took his truck keys away.
Mike had me drive him into town after that.
He said, "They took my truck, my guns, and my chainsaw. What the hell do I have to live for?"
He held on for a couple more years but he never recovered from his loss of liberty, to go where he want to go when he wanted to go.
Be advised.
It's the loss of 'independence'... And no good answer here.
Post a Comment