In the past couple of weeks, there have been two fatal accidents in Bergen County, involving senior drivers. These events are for the most part preventable. It is not easy, someone must be the bad guy, but there is a time when the privilege of driving become a detriment to other people's lives.
I had to tell my father (at the age of 90) that he had to stop driving, which lead to a full tirade of how he was a great driver, never had any accidents, and had been driving longer than I had been alive. Although these things were true, it did not change the fact that he would now get lost, not see well at twilight or night time, and sometimes had to ask how to get back home.
It was a terrible day for my whole family. His car was in the driveway, but his keys had been taken away. There is no right or wrong way to approach on this situation. I impressed upon him that he could be the best driver on earth, but there were others that were not as capable. In addition children that darted into the road or streets, that were beyond his control. Also, we the family and some friends, had to be available to take him to his appointments, the store, and just for a drive to see other family members. There is no easy way to remedy this issue.
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I think about my own driving ability, and believe that I am still able to follow the rules of the road. However, I hope when it is time for me to stop driving, I am able to recognize it and make the right decision. If not, I hope someone has the strength and compassion to make me understand that it is time to hang up my keys.
