Just wondering....

ctpres wrote:
At 77 I am changing my driving style. Slower, shorter travel days, at least one day rest between travel days, more distance between me and vehicle in front, frequent rest stops that include walking, leave later and stop sooner, stay out of rush hour traffic and go around big cities or do it on Sundays if possible. It helps to stay on top of coach maintenance and TIRES, especialy tire pressure. Eyes checked twice a year and keeps glasses clean. Stay in shape with regular exercise. I have side and rear cameras that I rely on, keep mirrors adjusted and clean. I have added three after market items so far to help me: Steering damper for blow-outs, TPMS to monitor tire pressure and a dash cam to help prove I was not at fault if needed. Come to think of it I did a lot of that at 65. Drive on and enjoy.

same for me

rgatijnet1 wrote:

tatest wrote:
As we get older, those of us who will be survivors will adjust their driving styles, lifestyles as a whole really, to our diminished physical skills.
Chronological numbers don't work for this.

That is the answer. Numbers don't work. It is up to each of us to decide or, better yet, have a regular physical, and let a doctor decide when we are too old to be safe. Listen to the signals and don't deny the inevitable.
Remember that getting older is a gift that many do not get to experience. Don't drive unsafe and jeopardize the lives of others who still have their life ahead of them.

This answer is right on! You will know when it's time to stop driving! Until then clear your mind of this subject and enjoy RVing. I'm 66 and still can drive my coach but I'm going to have to give up the game that I love the most Golf it's just to hard on my body even with a cart!

ctpres wrote:
At 77 I am changing my driving style. Slower, shorter travel days, at least one day rest between travel days, more distance between me and vehicle in front, frequent rest stops that include walking, leave later and stop sooner, stay out of rush hour traffic and go around big cities or do it on Sundays if possible. It helps to stay on top of coach maintenance and TIRES, especialy tire pressure. Eyes checked twice a year and keeps glasses clean. Stay in shape with regular exercise. I have side and rear cameras that I rely on, keep mirrors adjusted and clean. I have added three after market items so far to help me: Steering damper for blow-outs, TPMS to monitor tire pressure and a dash cam to help prove I was not at fault if needed. Come to think of it I did a lot of that at 65. Drive on and enjoy.

Excellent answer!

Seeing relatives 'fight' giving up driving. I don't think I will when the time comes. I realized how crazy it was for them to think they were safe, I don't want to do that myself. I think I'm very aware of my minor aging (less hearing in my right ear).

Reading many of your posts on this forum, I thought that you all were much younger.

At 58, I hope to have many more years of driving the bus.

If I age normally (in my 80's), I can see down sizing to a class B and maybe include hotels along with camping.

Heck, if I really don't want to give it up, I'll hire a driver and pull an Airstream Bambi for 'driver's quarters'. LOL!

Safe travels,
MM.

Do I consider not driving the motorhome any more - sure every trip we take I take note of everything I do and try to make changes and corrections. Now slower, more rest stops, shorter days drive and try very hard to have all equipment in good shape. We leave this week for about a 1000 mile trip to celebrate my wife's 83 birthday. We will driving a 1982 Kings Highway motorhome, I am 90. If you see us drop by for a cold drink. Yes I am very thankful for every trip

I am not 75 but one thing I noticed as I age is I can't multi-task like I used to. That goes for driving also. Concentrate on the traffic around you and your driving. I listen to music but avoid a lot of conversation and other distraction especially my cell phone. I usually let my wife answer the cell phone so I don't get distracted.;)

DH is 82 I am 80. We are still driving --- just not across country anymore. We do 2 trips to southern Indiana our first trip out in the spring and our last trip in the fall. All other trips are camping sites within 50 to 100 miles from home. So I guess you could say we are back to just camping and not traveling anymore. We crossed the country the first 10 years of retirement had a ball. But we know our energy and reaction time are much different now. Plus we started out camping and we are really enjoying It again. Our son in law said when we can't handle getting unit to our favorite state park 38 miles away he will get it there and drive it back home. Thank goodness we are still pretty active and of sound mind so far, so we will keep going till we can't Enjoy everything while you still can is our motto.

I know there are many in our throw away when it gets old society who would say "Anybody over xx years old is TOO OLD TO DRIVE"

Well, this is fact: I was shopping last Wed and happened to check out behind a Deputy Sheriff.. Good looking female one at that.. But that's another topic. Someone mentioned having a job you liked and I mentioned that is important. The question was ask WHY... So I had the Deputy guess my age (50).. I had to tell her she was off a bit (I'm 65) and then I explained what I did, and one of the reasons I liked it (She approved.. I am a retired police dispatcher, We (She and I) help people sleep better.. You can sleep better cause we put the criminals in the place they wish not to go.. They (the criminals) can sleep better cause, well, last night they had to worry about someone like her tossing their sorry anatomy in the slammer.. Tonight, they do not have to worry about that, as they go to sleep.... in the slammer.

Well the same applies to driving.. i knwo people far younder than I who likely should not drive.. And people far older who are still safe on the road.

So. I can not tell you if you are safe to drive based on your age.... I can tell you your children and perhaps some friends, people who have seen you, know you, and have the abilty to properly evaluate you might still get it wrong.

My mother In Law drove till she was at least Mid-80's Then Advancing Senile Dementia (Alzimer's) made her dangerous.. My Wife, Daughter and I took over driving her wherever she needed to go.. We did such a good job that the battery in her car went flat and she never noticed.

I am 77 and still comfortable driving. After flying to Atlanta for a Granddaughter's graduation this weekend I am looking forward to a Motorhome trip in another week. I did downsize from a 38' Mountain Aire to smaller but still go.

X2 "ctpres", go 62~65 ,give yourself a little extra room in front.
Siggy