I recently heard a commercial that encouraged senior citizens to log onto to a website and take a test that would determine their driving skills for their age. I think it is a good idea, although I’m not sure how many seniors today are computer-literate and can reach the website.
I am sure, however, that many seniors might benefit from it. I say this on the basis of my driving experience around the community where I live. More often than not, when I find myself behind a pokey automobile, there’s an older person at the wheel.
I’m sure I qualify for the category of older person too, but I believe I still drive as if I know what I’m doing. I check four-way stops to see who goes first; I respect others’ rights of way; I drive the speed limit. Others in my age group tend to drive slowly, careen into stop sign situations, and commandeer the right of way, assuming they
are entitled to go first. Even when they’re not.
It’s a tough thing. Senior citizens have driven for years and probably assume they have the right. Who is strong enough to tell them otherwise? Yet, we read of seniors careening into storefronts, losing control, and even killing someone. It’s scary at best.
I don’t have the answer; I’ve only noted the issue. But I hope that when I come to the point in my life when I’m a turtle driver, my sons will help me transition from a five-speed to a no-speed with graciousness. And, quite possibly, they’ll help me navigate the website where we can all determine whether I should quit driving or not. That way, nobody will bear the burden of taking my car keys away.
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