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        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> 94 year old driver?
        
(Message started by: Jonny on Nov 7^th, 2007, 9:05pm)

Title: 94 year old driver?
Post by Jonny on Nov 7^th, 2007, 9:05pm

What is it with some families that will let these people keep driving?

I told my father his driving days were over when he was 76, he died three days later.......no, im not mean. he was driving 35 mph on the freeway, I saved someones life!

The description to this video is above the video screen.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=5d9_1194463870

I guess my question is........Would you let an elderly love one keep driving if you thought someone might get killed by it?

I didnt have to think twice about my Dad!

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by George_J on Nov 7^th, 2007, 9:35pm

You're right.

My mother gave it up on her own a few years ago.

Unfortunately, some folks just can't admit that they need to quit driving. Then, I think, it's time to talk turkey.

Sure, it's painful to acknowledge that a person's physical capabilities aren't what they were, and it means a partial loss of independence--but what's the alternative? Let our older folks endanger themselves and others?

It isn't worth it.

JMHO, FWIW.

Best,

George

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by assaultme on Nov 7^th, 2007, 9:44pm

No I wouldn't Jonny...for both their safety as well as others.

Dave

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by midwestbeth on Nov 7^th, 2007, 10:03pm

Not too long ago an elderly woman was driving to the local senior center for a driving class. She never made it. She drove through a school cafateria and killed a 6 year old boy. She was not injured.

You did the right thing Jonny. Too many others unfortunately do not.

Beth

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by Jonny on Nov 7^th, 2007, 10:04pm

It was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life to tell my Dad that I was taking away what he loved most, near the end of his life, but I knew I had to do it.

It still hurts me that he died three days later :'(

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by assaultme on Nov 7^th, 2007, 11:15pm

That is tough Jonny....sorry about your Dad.

You did what was right & your heart was in the right place.

Obvious you had your Dad's safety in mind. I'm sure he understands right now !!!

Cheers, Dave

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by LeLimey on Nov 8^th, 2007, 8:16am

I agree that once peoples reactions are impaired they should stop driving - but that can be at 21 or 91. I know several people in their 20's and 30'swho are not fit to drive but continue to do so and are no less unsafe than an older person.

It's not something you can put an "age" on in my opinion. If you are going to have competancy tests - which I don't think are a bad idea, then it should be across the board and as an example, every five years for everyone.

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by Tiannia on Nov 8^th, 2007, 12:42pm

My mom jokes that my Grandmother (her mom) was never in any accidents but there where 5 car pile ups behind her. I was too young to remember.

To be very honest I asked my mom to stop driving at night 15 years ago because her night vision went and she could scare a turd white.

She is still driving and I wish she would not. With the medication for the MS she goes almost commatos at times and with very little warning, and if that happens while she is driving she is going to get herself killed or someone else.

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by Guiseppi on Nov 8^th, 2007, 2:28pm

We had to do that to my wife's grandmother when she turned 90. It broke her heart but there's no doubt in my mind it saved a life. And nothing easy about it!!!!!!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: 94 year old driver?
Post by Annette on Nov 9^th, 2007, 1:27am

None of us 3 children think that our mother should drive. She is 70 and she has brain damage caused by a headon collision 10 years ago. She cant see very well out of her left eye, has very slow reflex and often forgets where she is going, yet she is still driving because she went for a driving competent test and she passed !!

I dread the day I get a phone call to tell me she is in another accident.

There is nothing I can do to stop her though. She wont listen to any of us.