Too old to drive ?

[goufgators]

I know the decision is mine and mine alone. But, I also believe input from those of you who have personally experienced and gone through similar situations will be of assistance to me. About a year ago, I ‘hung up the keys’ and sold our coach due to my age. I’m 80. I was concerned that my driving skills may have deteriorated over the years and that it might not be safe for me to continue ‘piloting’ the rig down the highway. The reason I’m posting this is because I really miss having our coach and am contemplating diving back into RV’ing. I badly miss having the ability to climb into the motorhome and take off for…wherever. Please, for those of you 80 and older, I would like very much for you to respond and let me know if you are still driving and at what age. Also, if you have ‘hung up the keys’, at what age and was it due to feeling there might be an inability to safely operate the coach at your age. Please feel free to provide any other information that might help me determine whether purchasing a new coach, at my age, is or is not a wise move. Many thanks!

[mowermech]

It is an individual issue. The number of years has nothing to do with it, IMO. I am "only" 79, and I have no plans to stop driving my ATVs, truck, Jeep, or motorhome. I'm sure the day will come when "my Nurse" (wife) will tell me it is time for me to stop, but we might still have them, because my wife will do the driving. Well, OK, the truck and the ATVs might go away...
It might be time to have a discussion with those whose opinion you value: Wife, children, doctor, etc. Perhaps their guidance will be of more value than that from total strangers.
Good luck, and be safe out there.

[Gooma]

Only you can make the decision as to when to hang up the keys. If you are not comfortable driving, maybe it's time. Traffic is moving faster than ever and more cars on the road too. Seems like everyone is in a hurry and slower reaction times really do matter.
I was over the road trucker foe 33 years, no accidents, and have witnessed first hand older unsafe drivers. My dad was also a trucker and the hardest decision he made was to quit driving, but he did when he felt it was time. I am 75 and know my time is coming.

[lap527]

I am 65 and DH is 76 but I do see a change in his driving skills and it scares me. The last few years whatever mode of transportation, camper, car, dually truck, enclosed trailer, or harley trike I have to be comfortable handling it. If not, then we are not going to buy it. As of now, we have a 21' travel trailer and truck camper. I feel comfortable with both, initially it's a little different in the first few miles but then I settle down and it's all good. I sure wouldn't want anything bigger. I actually love traveling in the TC, it's so easy and agile. I do understand your concerns due to my husband not being that far off from the 80 mark and I can actually see a difference in his skill level. Sometimes smaller is better!

[rgatijnet1]

Since you live in Florida, I believe that Lazydays RV, near Tampa, used to have courses for RV drivers. I would think that one of their instructors should be able to evaluate your abilities and advise you the best.

[goufgators]

Gjac wrote:
Do you feel more confident driving a car vs a Class A? Maybe a good compromise would be a 24 ft Class C or B+.

Thanks! I am more comfortable driving our car or my full size pick up. If we jump back in it will be a smaller class C.

[rhagfo]

goufgators wrote:

wowens79 wrote:
I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine.
The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion??
Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.
With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!

If we get back in, we are going to look for "less congested routes" and, again 'if', we won't go back to a large Class A...it'll be a smaller class C. Speaking of 'less congested routes', in the past, we've had to travel directly through downtown Atlanta. That won't happen again...!

Well maybe if you want a second opinion find a truck driving school near you and hire one of the instructors to do a check out drive with you. You could rent a class C of similar size you are thinking of getting in to for the checkout drive.

[Gjac]

Do you feel more confident driving a car vs a Class A? Maybe a good compromise would be a 24 ft Class C or B+.

[chast]

I think you are wise to be aware of your abilities or the lack thereof. At 77, I realize that I am no longer on the younger side of life and find that I am no longer confident piloting a large rig. This realization has brought me to appreciate a smaller version in the form of a B van. I still enjoy driving, but am intimidated by the size of the old class A. The B van gives me the freedom and convenience of a motorhome, but without the tension and apprehension of the larger rig. It may be an answer for you—to each his own.

[goufgators]

wowens79 wrote:
I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine.
The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion??
Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.
With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!

If we get back in, we are going to look for "less congested routes" and, again 'if', we won't go back to a large Class A...it'll be a smaller class C. Speaking of 'less congested routes', in the past, we've had to travel directly through downtown Atlanta. That won't happen again...!

[wowens79]

I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine.
The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion??
Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.
With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!

[wildtoad]

As far as being a sole personal opinion, if you are concerned about your abilities then perhaps you can still do so. Just keep in mind there a many people who do not know they are past the point of making that decision due to dementia.

[Busdriver]

I feel it is a personal choice, only you know your body and mind. If you feel you can’t drive any longer than you probably can’t

[phil-t]

I'm not 80, YET! 71 - camphosting in SC for the winter and I can tell you I see several folks in their 80s that are traveling in RVs for various reasons. Those that I have seen and spoken with have been very capable at handling and manuvering their rigs. I see young folks that are somewhat defiviant in those abilities. You just need to assess your own abilities, or have a good friend help you decide. Age, alone, should not be the determining factor in your decision.

Good luck, and safe travels.