Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Readers sound off about driving

By TIMES STAFF
Published November 29, 2005

Driving is an important mark of independence for many seniors. But for some, the time comes when age could make driving risky.

Seniority asked drivers 70 and older to discuss what driving means to them and how they would know when they should stop driving. We also wanted to hear from drivers who had voluntarily given up their keys and from family members who had to make a parent or loved one stop driving. We received more than 200 letters and e-mails on the subject. The edited letters here reveal the tough decisions and circumstances facing many older drivers. From drinking to senior discounts, age is linked to many societal privileges. Driving is also a privilege that begins at a certain age, but when are you too old to drive? Read on.

- SHEILA REED, Seniority editor

***

I enjoy driving, and it is important to me. I don't have to depend on others to take me to appointments or social events or grocery shopping. It keeps the mind sharp if a person can get out with the public and see what's happening.

I think some of these elderly persons know that they should not be driving, but if the state allows them to hang onto their last thread of independence, they will drive.

-- Joan Carey, 73

***

There are many very capable 80-year-old drivers, possibly more than their younger counterparts who race and drive an unsafe vehicle. Don't compare age with competence and don't confuse age with ability. They don't necessarily go hand in hand.

I'm 70-plus and will know when to "give it up." Right now, it's my sole ticket to independence. As a responsible person for so many years, I would like to continue my lifestyle based on ability, not age.

-- D. DePoalo

***

I am a senior driver of 97 years, and I am a very responsible driver. I like to drive to this day and know my limitations as far as distance and speed. My eyesight is very good, my side-to-side perception is very good, my hearing adequate, and my reaction time is as good as anyone's. If you don't have those three things, I believe you should not be driving.

I do not like to drive at night and try to avoid stressful times like morning and evening rush hours.

I think as you get older, you have a tendency to be more alert behind the wheel. If that means older drivers tend to overcompensate, so be it.

If they should pass a law that older drivers have to take a test, I am all for it and feel confident that I would pass.

-- Angelo Tintori, 97

If I were told that I could not drive anymore, life would not be the same. Driving is freedom. It's fun; it's a necessity.

Some drivers shouldn't be behind the wheel at 25, let alone 75. Whatever bad habits they had then are multiplied when older.

I believe at the age of 70, all drivers should undergo a reaction test and an eye examination. If you fail either, your license should be suspended until the failure is corrected. This test should be administered every two years. Furthermore, the state should require doctors to notify a central agency when they consider a person is unable to drive. Physical or mental disabilities should always prevail. The doctor may be wrong, and a simple test would correct the injustice.

So, please don't take away my privilege of driving. It's about the only good thing I have left to enjoy, except to look at a beautiful woman or smell a good cigar.

-- Derrel E. Tooman

***

I am 70, retired and do a lot of volunteer work for Hospice and my church. I love being independent to drive to those places. I taught school many years in Ohio and a few (years) in Florida. We were obligated to report any child abuse, etc., to the authorities. I hope my doctor will report me to the DMV when he thinks I am unfit to drive and may bring danger to those on the highway and myself.

-- Carole John, 70

***

As a senior who voluntarily gave up driving, this is my story. About four years ago I had two episodes where I momentarily blacked out while driving. It had happened on one occasion about a year before but my son convinced me it was nothing unusual.

When it happened twice in less than two weeks, I told my son I was selling my car and would never drive again. He suggested I not be in too much of a rush or I might be sorry. I told him I felt he would be a lot sorrier if someone rang his bell one day to say his mother had wrapped herself around a telephone pole and had taken 14 peopel with her.

Within two weeks the car was sold and I don't think I have ever had any hysterical moments because of the lack of it.

I have since moved to a retirement home, where I am very happy. We have a wonderful library, a fully equipped gym, a beauty parlor, great food and service. We also have great parking space for those who still drive.

It should be mandatory that all opthomologists report to the Motor Vehicle Bureau any senior citizen who could be a danger on the road because of failing eyesight.

-- Jean Dinegar 82

***

Should I drive at age 71 - and why not!

I am gainfully employed, get up every day at 7 a.m., swim or bike for 30 minutes, then, go to work.

While driving I do not gaze at palm trees, put on makeup, talk on cell phone, play mind-blowing music, hang arm out window with cigarette, present middle finger to passing motorists as do other so called qualified drivers.

I do not think age should be the qualifying criteria on determining whether a citizen should be ALLOWED to maintain his or her driver's license. Just because I have not had a speeding ticket in decades does not mean that I am unable to keep up with rest of you so-called - certified able-bodied drivers.

-- Ann Scheuer, 71

***

My 84-year-old father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about five years ago.

One day I was driving and pulled up beside him and was honking to say hi. I honked and screamed and still did not get his attention.

My mother and I spoke to his neurologist about his reflexes. His doctor was shocked that he was still driving. At that point his doctor recommended he no longer drive. At first Dad did not take this advice. On his next visit, the doctor asked him if he had stopped driving. When my dad said no, the doctor again expressed his concern and reminded him that he recommended him not to drive. But never would the doctor take his license. This is something that I have a problem with. I felt it was his doctor's responsibility to protect my dad as best he could.

As the weeks went on my mother and I pleaded with my Dad to stop driving even going to extremes like hiding his keys. He had giving up driving at night on his own but was still driving during the day.

He never once questioned his driving ability and did not feel his physical weakness or lack of hearing affected his driving. During this time he was actually sent another license in the mail that was good for several more years.

Finally we sat him down and said we would take him wherever he wanted to go if he would give up driving. He reluctantly agreed to try it for a while. He felt we were forcing him to stop driving and he was having to give up his independence. He rarely drove after that day and has not driven for almost a year.

It was hard and we had many arguments about it. But in the end it was worthwhile because no one, including him, was hurt or killed. A family does what they have to do to keep their loved one safe whether they like it or not.

-- Toni Johnston

[Last modified November 28, 2005, 18:27:02]