I post this under the 'Safety Issues' heading as after many years of fun and enjoyable RV adventures, I must be realistic and make appropriate plans for our future.My first RV experience (more years ago than I care to admit) was my grandfather taking my brother and I on a 'camping trip' in his 1940 Buick Roadmaster over the Tioga Pass in springtime and tent camping at Mono lake and yes, there was still snow on the ground. That gentleman taught me more that I can ever explain.Now, I'm well into my 'Golden Years' and I do so like to travel each spring & summer to new places and meet new folks. (I am certain there are many friends I just have not yet met.)BUT...the '97 MoHo is aging and I'm putting in the $$$ to ensure it is roadworthy and comfortable. Replacing rusted tanks and perished hoses is easy! But the 'nut behind the wheel' - is not easily upgraded. At 79, I am wondering how much longer it is prudent (and safe) for me to drive a class "A" on the highways. I 'think' I'm a good driver (no accidents in 20 years - other than when on a mountain road, an on-coming driver crossed over the yellow line and forced me into the guard rail to avoid a head-on!). I don;t want to quit and sell the rig too soon - but then, in this situation, better to be two years too soon than two weeks too late!!I have set myself a goal of birthday 82 (3 years from now) to get off of the highway - unless I should sooner loose sight, depth perception or reaction time - then it would be immediate. Right now, I know I am slowing down, but am still a safe and prudent driver - but there are so many younger folks that do not understand that 55 MPH get's you there in just about the same time as 65 MPH! (Yes, I'm the double-nickle driver in the right lane - getting good mileage too!). So' I'm raising this situation to find the views of the many folks that are actually enjoying their RV time - and seriously consider my earlier retirement if appropriate.

You're wise to consider the future, but you sound like the type of person who will be realistic when it's time to hang up the keys. It sounds to me like you're not there yet, and will know when you are. I would be willing to ride in front of, behind, or with you. Wishing you many more happy, and safe miles.

If you are cognizant enough too question your abilities, then you are probably fine. When you can't remember how or when you got where you are, then ask someone else to take you home. And stay there!

Find a good commercial driving school and have them take you through a simulated driving test. My grandfather quit driving after an accident in which the other party was charged but I remember him saying to my dad ".. but knew she was going to run the stop sign and I should have stopped but I didn't. I could have avoided the accident. I shouldn't be driving." My dad didn't replace his car after my mother was killed in an accident (she was alone in the car). He said that he could probably walk more if he got a new artificial leg! He was 79. Walked the mile to town and caught the one and only taxi home. I hope I will know when it is my turn.I had a dear friend who at the age of 96 passed his medical and road test with flying colours then sold his . . . wait for it....Camper van! He moved into assisted living after selling his house at the age of 99 because he couldn't look after his garden anymore. He dies at the age of 104, mind sharper than mine is. He is my hero! Though I hope like my dad and grandfather I'll stop driving before I really have to.

At 68 years, I agree that questioning is valid and necessary. What I want to make sure of is that I don't mistake the occasional "oops!" with an overall decline, that should spell the end of driving for me. I have absolutely loved driving since the old red Farmall tractor on dad's lap at 6! I have driven taxi in a military area, concrete mixer, and appliance service van, plus all the "civilian" driving. Still, the first thought has to be when is enough, enough. Happy, safe travels to you, OP, and other campers!

Just changed insurance companies and the new company has a discount for seniors who can show evidence of a recent "drivers class". Wonder if you looked into one of those classes, it would help set your mind at ease regarding your driving skills.

How old is TOO old?? | Good Sam Community

eastfizz
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2016
rgatijnet1 - Actually you did generalize more. Guess it is due to your judgmental nature and inability to recognize it. Anyone that reads your posts can easily see that. I do not do pot, legal or otherwise. You are a pretty sorry excuse for a human being. Not worried about your relatives serving in the military here in Colorado. Poor excuse for a hollow sort of threat.

Best regards,

Lowell
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Feb 08, 2016
eastfizz wrote:
bobkatmsu - please remove your comment from the text in my response.

rgatijetnet1 - nice of you to generalize about a person's driving abilities without ever knowing, or observing them. Please stay in Florida and don't come to Colorado. We have a great state here and would rather you, and people like you, stay where you are. And yes, I do my best to stay out of Florida as much as possible. In my opinion, General Grant was correct.

To clarify - my response to the op was just to provide a data point that might help him evaluate his situation. Obviously there are many other factors to consider. I had no intention of getting into a urinating contest with anyone. Unfortunately in many forums, including this one, this seems to be the path that some choose.

Best regards,

Lowell

I never generalized anyone or any group. I just said that as you get older people need to accept the fact that their driving abilities diminish. That is a fact that no one, not even you, can deny.
But, even tho you say you had no intention of getting in to a pissing contest, here you go. I always love it when people tell others to stay out of their state. I'm guessing as you type this you are partaking in some of the legal pot that certainly improves the driving abilities of those in Colorado that decide to go that way.
Actually, my granddaughter and her husband live in Colorado and he is serving his country in the military. I will pass on your friendly welcome to the military people from Florida that are stationed in Colorado. Thank you Mr. Duncan :R
eastfizz
Explorer II
Feb 07, 2016
bobkatmsu - please remove your comment from the text in my response.

rgatijnet1 - nice of you to generalize about a person's driving abilities without ever knowing, or observing them. Please stay in Florida and don't come to Colorado. We have a great state here and would rather you, and people like you, stay where you are. And yes, I do my best to stay out of Florida as much as possible. In my opinion, General Grant was correct.

To clarify - my response to the op was just to provide a data point that might help him evaluate his situation. Obviously there are many other factors to consider. I had no intention of getting into a urinating contest with anyone. Unfortunately in many forums, including this one, this seems to be the path that some choose.

Best regards,

Lowell
bobkatmsu
Explorer
Feb 07, 2016
rgatijnet1 wrote:
eastfizz wrote:
I am 69, swim half a mile 3 times a week, and in better shape than our children. No plans to give up driving our RV for many years to come. In our vintage auto racing club in Colorado (Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing - www.RMVR.com), we have a couple of people still racing in their early 80's and many in their 60's and 70's.

Below is a link to a reaction time test you can take. For whatever reason, you will likely get better results using the keyboard than the mouse button:

www.justpark.com/creative/reaction-time-test/

Best regards,
Took the test and twice got a score of "that was so fast we are not sure if you are even human". Plus my DW says I make perfect decisions every day, when I tell her I know she's in charge.

Lowell

After several tests with your link, I consistently tested in the 22-28 YO range which is younger than my grandchildren. The thing is that the test only checks your reaction time and does not test your decision making abilities. Do I make the right decision to avoid the things that could endanger my life or the lives of others?
The recent accident in Tennessee where the RV driver killed a police officer was a good example of poor decision making, rather than poor reaction time. If you avoid getting in to trouble in the first place, you don't often need lightning fast reactions.
bobkatmsu
Explorer
Feb 07, 2016
rgatijnet1 wrote:
eastfizz wrote:
I am 69, swim half a mile 3 times a week, and in better shape than our children. No plans to give up driving our RV for many years to come. In our vintage auto racing club in Colorado (Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing - www.RMVR.com), we have a couple of people still racing in their early 80's and many in their 60's and 70's.

Below is a link to a reaction time test you can take. For whatever reason, you will likely get better results using the keyboard than the mouse button:

www.justpark.com/creative/reaction-time-test/

Best regards,
Took the test and twice got a score of "that was so fast we are not sure if you are even human". Plus my DW says I make perfect decisions every day, when I tell her I know she's in charge.

Lowell

After several tests with your link, I consistently tested in the 22-28 YO range which is younger than my grandchildren. The thing is that the test only checks your reaction time and does not test your decision making abilities. Do I make the right decision to avoid the things that could endanger my life or the lives of others?
The recent accident in Tennessee where the RV driver killed a police officer was a good example of poor decision making, rather than poor reaction time. If you avoid getting in to trouble in the first place, you don't often need lightning fast reactions.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Feb 07, 2016
wa8yxm wrote:
eastfizz wrote:
Not trying to disagree, but poor decision making exists at every age.

Best regards,

Lowell

Back in 1977 I made a good choice,, Took a job telling cops where to go (Dispatcher) Fun job in many respects, pain in others but you know, Even though I no longer tell 'em where to go.. Still pays well (Retired)>

Why do I mention that? Well.. I've seen a whole lot of proof of what you say (Poor decisions by people of all ages) A WHOLE lot.. in some cases it was the last decision they ever made.

Yep, these are the usual arguments made by older people that refuse to accept the fact that their own driving skills may be deteriorating.
"Young people makes poor decisions also"
"Young people drive too fast"
"Young people don't always pay attention when they are driving"
All of these things are true but it has nothing to do with YOUR driving skills in an RV, or any vehicle, as you age.
I see it more often then most because of the older population in Florida.
We have had drivers stopped because they were essentially blind but the wife in the passenger seat would tell them when to turn or brake. Regularly we have an elderly person drive in to a building or store store when they mistook the brake for the gas.
By not accepting the fact that you are getting older and that you may need to be tested by someone to determine if your driving skills are still adequate is a perfect example of "making a poor decision" as an older driver.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Feb 07, 2016
eastfizz wrote:
Not trying to disagree, but poor decision making exists at every age.

Best regards,

Lowell

Back in 1977 I made a good choice,, Took a job telling cops where to go (Dispatcher) Fun job in many respects, pain in others but you know, Even though I no longer tell 'em where to go.. Still pays well (Retired)>

Why do I mention that? Well.. I've seen a whole lot of proof of what you say (Poor decisions by people of all ages) A WHOLE lot.. in some cases it was the last decision they ever made.
Gjac
Explorer III
Feb 07, 2016
When I turned 52 I had a lot of knee pain and went to a orthopedic Dr. and he told me I had knee arthritis. I asked him I if I stopped running now would my knees last longer. He said no arthritis will progress anyways and you did not get it from running it is genetic. He encouraged me to keep running as long as I could for health reasons. Then he told me something that I won't forget and I think applies here, he said "don't worry you will know when it is time to stop".
Canadian_Rainbi
Explorer
Feb 07, 2016
eastfizz wrote:
I am 69, swim half a mile 3 times a week, and in better shape than our children. No plans to give up driving our RV for many years to come. In our vintage auto racing club in Colorado (Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing - www.RMVR.com), we have a couple of people still racing in their early 80's and many in their 60's and 70's.

Below is a link to a reaction time test you can take. For whatever reason, you will likely get better results using the keyboard than the mouse button:

www.justpark.com/creative/reaction-time-test/

Best regards,

Lowell

In 5 trys 3 ranged in the mid 30s, one at 24 and one at 57. I'm a few months shy of 70.

Another problem with that test is that it does not test braking reaction time because the legs are not involved in the test. Weak muscles, deteriorating joints (ankle, knee, hip) can seriously slow you down. I know. I have retrained myself to brake with my left leg which is much stronger and faster than my right. One reason why I very seldom drive my wife's Jeep Wrangler with manual trans.
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Feb 06, 2016
rgatijnet1 wrote:

After several tests with your link, I consistently tested in the 22-28 YO range which is younger than my grandchildren. The thing is that the test only checks your reaction time and does not test your decision making abilities. Do I make the right decision to avoid the things that could endanger my life or the lives of others?
The recent accident in Tennessee where the RV driver killed a police officer was a good example of poor decision making, rather than poor reaction time. If you avoid getting in to trouble in the first place, you don't often need lightning fast reactions.

But a fast reaction time can go a long way in mitigating someone else's poor decision making...

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