Too old to drive ?

valhalla360 wrote:

goufgators wrote:
I know the decision is mine and mine alone.

Some thoughts (trying to be honest...not mean):

While you may technically be able to keep possession of a license, that doesn't make it your decision alone (or at least it shouldn't)...if you have an accident and someone else is injured...

But the fact that you are asking the question is a good sign. While there are certainly trends that follow age, capability isn't solely based on age.

The problem with self assessing is you have a strong bias, since you want to get out there, so I wouldn't trust your self assessment.

As you are suggesting driving "less congested routes", it suggests to me that you really don't trust your driving skills anymore.

Particularly in rural areas, I would recommend not driving back roads to avoid freeways. Non-freeways literally have 50 times the crash rate as they are not designed to be as forgiving, so it's a false sense of safety.

I think the idea of an independent 3rd party (such as a truck driving school or even a general driving school) give you an on the road driving test is a good idea. Make it very clear that you want honesty and not just a rubber stamp.

Honestly, at some age, it should become a standard that everyone has to pass an on the road test periodically to keep a license. It's hard to lose that independence but I've seen enough scary drivers who simply don't have the capability anymore.

These are good points. I agree, the fact that you are asking the question means you are aware, which is way good. So this is how I got my mother-in-law to give up the keys. Might sound stupid, but i asked her to stomp her foot on the ground. She didn't understand why. So I showed her, and she did it - BUT - it took her probably at least a second to pick her foot up and stomp it to the floor. I showed her how fast I did it compared to her. I then asked her what if a child or a dog ran out in front of her....she wouldn't have been able to slam on the brake fast enough. That afternoon she gave my wife the keys and never drove again. So for me, this issue is about 2 things; judgement and reflexes. If you still have both you're probably OK. If one is lacking, that could be an issue.

My 2 cents....

Al