Knowing When to Stop Driving as Skills Change With Age

[jymbee]

I had an uncle that continued to drive at 95. Not sure how competent he was on the road at that age.

I think we consider ourselves "good drivers"-- at least I don't know of anyone who thinks otherwise rightly or wrongly. But clearly there are drivers out there that should have hung up the keys long ago. We've all seen them. There was a case I recall where an elderly woman was involved in an accident and it turned out she was legally blind. "How did you even know when to stop or go at a traffic light", she was asked. "Well, I just watch other drivers around me and do what they do", was her response.

Many others such incidents of course. Someone hitting the gas instead of the brake and not stopping, just stepping on the gas pedal harder to name just one. Invariably an elderly person was driving.

Of course there are many factors that go into whether one is a good driver. Not having been in any accidents is not one of them IMO.

I try to analyze my driving ability objectively and so far at least I feel pretty safe behind the wheel, but have to wonder will I be willing to admit otherwise when/if that is no longer the case?

 

[NY_Dutch]

My wife drove accident free for 63 years, but when she knew her eyesight wasn't what it should be anymore, she voluntarily traded in her NY state drivers license for a NY state ID card. After two strokes, I hung up the motorhome keys when I was no longer comfortable driving it. At 83, I still feel comfortable driving my Subaru Forester, although I will admit that the Level 2 autonomous driving system does help my confidence.

 

[CamperAL]

Besides metal ability, eyesight is a big one to consider. As you age your eyesight can get worst and there is a time you need to hang up the keys. I had two aunts, my Mom's sisters who had trouble and one refused to stop driving even after the insurance company refused to insure her. Here granddaughters took away the keys. I took the battery cable off my Mom's car when I thought she should stop driving in her very late 80's. My wife and I cleaned up my other Aunt's car and there were signs of some damage from hitting things.

I've given it some thought and plan to be prepared to stop, when I think it is advisable. My wife may be able to drive longer than I can.

Did you ever think, as you age, any accidents you might be involved in could be rolled on to you, even if your not the guilty party. Something to think about.

 

[TheBar]

I'm a big believer in self driving cars. We may not be 100% there yet but soon will be. As long as I can override it. I welcome their second opinion but of course that already comes from my wife

I'm 74 and I've only been involved in one accident and that wasn't my fault. But both my father and my wife's were terrible drivers after they were 60. Their hearing was so bad they didn't even know when they hit things. We had to keep a constant watch on their right front fender for new dents. Finally taking their keys away.

Then there are those people who just can't concentrate. They lose their driver's license after repeated wrecks. But in many places they can get it back after a length of time and keep on causing wrecks.

But my favorite complaint is people who are addicted to their phones. Zooming thru red lights and changing lanes without looking. There should be laws passed to require cars to block cell signals while the vehicle is in motion.

 

[Seilerbird]

I hung them up after my first accident at age 76. No regrets, life is still beautiful. Anyone over 70 who thinks their skills have not deteriorated is only fooling themselves.

 

[DonTom]

But my favorite complaint is people who are addicted to their phones.

Another reason for my SmartphonePhobia and wishing they were never invented.

I would like to see texting while driving to have three times the penalty of drunk driving.

"Honk if you love Jesus--but if you wish to meet him-text!"

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[DonTom]

Anyone over 70 who thinks their skills have not deteriorated is only fooling themselves.

Too much skill can be dangerous, IMO. I slowed down a lot in my old age. I am probably safer now than when I was a dumb stupid kid with all the better skills.

I will be 77 in less than a month and I am still riding motorcycles.

Almost everybody I know who rides, who is older than I am, rides much faster. I prefer slow, as long as I do not hold up traffic.

I know a few guys in their 80's and one in his mid 90's--who rides a lot faster than I do.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Seilerbird]

would like to see texting while driving to have three times the penalty of drunk driving.

While I am driving I also operate the headlights, horn, radio, wipers, heater, gps, smart phone and a dozen other items. Never caused any problems.

 

[Isaac-1]

There is a lot more to it, I have a 93 year old uncle that still drives, but he does not drive at night, and generally stays within 5-10 miles of his rural home, with occasional trips to their second house 70 miles away.

 

[DonTom]

Never caused any problems.

Drunk drivers often say that too.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[gwinger]

Another reason for my SmartphonePhobia and wishing they were never invented.

I would like to see texting while driving to have three times the penalty of drunk driving.

"Honk if you love Jesus--but if you wish to meet him-text!"

-Don- Auburn, CA

I agree 100%. PA has passed a law that being behind the wheel with a phone in your hand, talking, texting surfing, whether moving or stopped is a violation.
Pennsylvania's cell phone law, known as Paul Miller's Law, prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at traffic lights. Violations result in a $50 fine, and the law aims to reduce distracted driving and enhance road safety.
The biggest problem is you have to be caught. And the fine is not high enough.
It should be the same as a DWI. Loss of license!

 

[TheBar]

While I am driving I also operate the headlights, horn, radio, wipers, heater, gps, smart phone and a dozen other items. Never caused any problems.

Now I understand why you hung up the keys

But some newer cars have voice activation and automation plus car play for some of those. Although maybe not the dozen other items

 

[garyb1st]

There are other factors that need to be considered when making this decision. Vision and hearing loss can be corrected. Other factors can not.

Some people are just not comfortable driving a vehicle. Doesn't matter how long they've been driving.

Some people process information more quickly than others. Quite important when driving conditions change. The ability to judge the speed of approaching vehicles. Important when changing lanes on a divided highway or making a left hand turn against opposing traffic. A basic understanding of math (relative speed) and physics (the dynamics of a 30,000 lb vehicle traveling at 60 mph).

 

[Jackiemac]

On this trip I've been disappointed at passing several huge truck with the drivers looking at their phones. If I'd had my phone out I would have taken video and reported them.

Age is irrelevant in these circumstances. They could kill a lot of people doing this.

 

[Chef Duane]

Drivers here in my hometown are very courteous. When they see me coming their eyes get really big and they immediately pull off to the side of the road and let me pass by. Very thoughtful of them.

 

[jymbee]

I'm a big believer in self driving cars. We may not be 100% there yet but soon will be.

Good point. That's interesting and might make me soften a bit my general opposition (only personally) to self driving vehicles. Definitely a good option to get around easily without endangering other drivers!

 

[jymbee]

If I'd had my phone out I would have taken video...

I can imagine the headline were you to cause an accident while attempting to record someone while driving you thought could cause an accident.

 

[jymbee]

Drivers here in my hometown are very courteous. When they see me coming their eyes get really big and they immediately pull off to the side of the road and let me pass by. Very thoughtful of them.

Perhaps the flashing lights and siren(s) you installed on your car have something to do with It??

 

[jymbee]

I think these huge display screens they keeping shoving at us are a bigger problem when it comes to distracted driving then cell phones. Used to be easy to turn a couple of knobs to tune the radio, set you stations, adjust the AC/heat etc. by feel while keeping your eyes on the road.

But now, with so many settings requiring you to navigate through dozens of icons on a huge screen, easy to see how that is a big problem.

I've read recently that even the car manufacturers have begun to recognize this and have actually returned many settings to old fashioned knots and buttons on their new models.

 

[DonTom]

But now, with so many settings requiring you to navigate through dozens of icons on a huge screen, easy to see how that is a big problem.

In some vehicles, just use voice to find stuff instantly and have no need to touch the screen. Voice for all commands. Some vehicles disable the touchscreen as soon as the vehicle is moving.

Here is a few of the Tesla voice commands (far from a complete list):

Tesla voice commands allow hands-free control of navigation, climate, media, and vehicle settings across all models (Model 3, Y, S, X, Cybertruck).

Navigation

• "Navigate to [destination]", "Drive to [destination]", or "Take me to [destination]" to start route guidance.
• "Go home" or "Go to work" to navigate to saved addresses.
• "Show nearby Superchargers" or "Where are the Supercharger stations".
• "I'm hungry" or "I'm feeling lucky" to find nearby food.
• "Cancel navigation" or "Mute voice guidance".
• "Show traffic", "Show satellite mode", or "Zoom in/out".

Climate Control

• "Turn on/off climate" or "Set temperature to [XX] degrees".
• "I'm cold" or "Make it warmer" (increases temp by 3°F).
• "I'm hot" or "Make it cooler" (decreases temp by 3°F).
• "Set driver temperature to [XX]" or "Set passenger temperature to [XX]".
• "Sync" or "Unsync" to link or separate driver/passenger temps.
• "Turn on/off Dog Mode", "Turn on/off Camp Mode", or "Enable Bioweapon Defense Mode".
• "Set fan speed to [XX]" or "Direct airflow to my face".
• "My feet are cold/hot" to adjust footwell vents.

Vehicle Controls & Settings

• "Lock" or "Unlock" doors.
• "Open/close trunk", "Open/close frunk" (or front trunk), "Open glovebox".
• "Open/close charge port" or "Unlock chargeport".
• "Fold/unfold mirrors".
• "Turn on/off Sentry Mode" or "Keep my car safe".
• "Open/close [App Name]" such as browser, phone, theater, or settings (e.g., "Open Autopilot settings").
• "Increase/decrease brightness" or "Screen is too bright/dim".

Media & Phone

• "Play [artist/song]" or "Pause music".
• "Call [contact name]" or "Text [contact name]".
• "Open music" or "Open [Streaming App]" like Spotify or Netflix.

Easter Eggs & Fun Commands

• "Ho Ho Ho" activates Christmas themes.
• "Beam me up Scotty" or "Man's not hot" decreases temperature.
• "It's a doggy dog world" activates Dog Mode.
• "Sing me a song" plays a random track.
• "Open [any random object]" (e.g., "open breadbin") often opens the charge port.
• "Report error" or "Bug report" sends feedback to Tesla.

-Don- Auburn, CA