He’s going to resist giving up his license. He was a firefighter and used to drive the hook-and-ladder outfit and swing that mother around tight corners. But that was 60 years ago. He and my mother live in an assisted living place that has a van to take them places and I could drive them anywhere else but getting him to give up driving is going to be hell on a hot plate. Anybody else go through this and have any ideas?
2006-11-29 21:56:15 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
He's almost completly deaf, and seems to have forgotten the purpose of rear-view mirrors, and instead of driving slow has taken to speeding.
2006-11-29 22:17:19 · update #1
I think in the UK, people his age have to take a driving test each year.
There should be the same rule in your country.
2006-11-29 22:01:09 · answer #1 · answered by epbr123 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The independence of driving ourselves is something all of us hate to give up, but there does come a time when we have to just hang it up and let someone else do it.
It isn't an easy thing to do, but for the safety of your father, not to mention the other drivers on the road, it may well be time for your father to hang up the keys.
The problem isn't paramount until there is an accident and then the question will be how come he was still driving. Well, the argument that he refused to stop driving because (for whatever reason) just isn't going to be enough should the accident result in someone dying.
Unfortunately, there are senior citizens that are driving today that at one time were great drivers, but now, their ability to judge distance, speed, reflexes, etc. has diminished.
Driving today has become more demanding today and requires alertness and reflexes that someone in advanced years just don't have. It's tough to accept, but it is true.
I would say that before a regrettable accident happens, you should take whatever measures you have to to ensure your father doesn't drive. Painful, yes, but you know in your heart it is for the best.
2006-11-30 05:00:41 · answer #2 · answered by Gnome 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are things that can only be discovered after hundreds and hundreds of trials. And of course, strict restriction needs to be in place. However, because the basis of science is always changing due to new discoveries, we need to also have sympathy to the drug company as well. They are not miracle makers, they only try to make profits by selling something that they "think" might help other people. Imagine the world without antibiotics and other medication, how many people would have to die? If we agree that science can be changed, the drug company might not have an excuse of increasing medication prices because of law suit.Also if we look at any other area that has used the socialist system it has bogged down and failed to live up to its Utopian promise. No system is perfect but open and free market is the best out there.
2016-05-23 04:31:52 · answer #3 · answered by Nancy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call his doctor immediately, they know what to do. I was following a car once that was driving slow but on the other side of the road. They were country roads and I could see that there was an elderly couple in the front seat, I took down the license # and called the police. They made it home but the police came anyway. Even though they were going slow I prayed for them not to get into an accident. They had their angel with them. Your dad may not be so lucky. Hope you read everyones advice and something helps you. Good luck!!
2006-11-29 22:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by Deb 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is a difficult time in any body's life. Pray about it. If there is a true need for him to stop driving, contact the DMV and request they do an evaluation on him. They have guidelines that can help him. They may restrict his driving hours, or not allow him to drive at all. They may require a physical examination and release from his doctor.
2006-11-30 04:45:12 · answer #5 · answered by alk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no simple answer to this one. Is his eyesight good? How are his reflexes? Does he drive at 20MPH in the fast lane, like an Uncle I had used to do? Are there any serious medical conditions that make him a danger to other people on the road? Sometimes you need to sit down and speak with an older relative about this. They don't want to give up their freedom to move around - who does? But you have to tell them that it's not just them. If they have a medical problem or simply bad eyesight and run through a light, and T-bone a young mom with her three kids in a minivan and kill them, could your father live with that? If you're going to ask them to give up driving, you should also be prepared to offer them an alternative means of getting around, and it must be convenient for them as well. It is not easy to ask a senior person to give up driving for it is their freedom they are letting go of, freedom to go where they want. But you need to sit and talk calmly, and list the pros and cons - and bring up the hard facts as well. In the end, it will be their decision but you can help guide them in making a good decision if you remain calm and present not only the bad side, but also list some alternatives for them as well.
2006-11-29 22:03:29 · answer #6 · answered by Darryl NC 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My Grandfather was the same age and in the same situation. He had to have a medical every year, and every year they granted him his license with a few additions to his long list of driving restrictions. He eventually ran a red light, this accident took both my grandparents from me. I curse the licensing authority because no one had the balls to tell him he couldn't drive anymore. If you love your father and want him around for a while longer, SOMEONE has to take the bull by the horns and handle the situation....NOW!!!!!!!
2006-11-30 02:52:52 · answer #7 · answered by al b 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
look he cant be any more dangerous than some of these hot rodders, or spaced out people doing everything while driving. Its his life and if his doctor doesnt semm to think it enough of a problem to stop him then let it be. slowwly tapper him off . show him the good side of being a passenger. Driving shows independence and im sure a lot of older people are trying to make that statement good luck with your 86 yr old dad and arent you forunate to still have both parents alive.
2006-11-29 22:02:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is a hard thing for a person to face, that they can't drive any more. it is a hard adjustment for someone who has been independent....
some states in the U.S. have driver's tests that elderly people must pass to continue to drive....
We went through it with the pastor of our small church and finally got his doctor to write an order that he wasn't allowed to drive.
remember it is for his sake, for your mother's sake, and for the public's sake that you are pursuing this....
obviously just because he is 86 doesn't necessarily mean that he can't drive.... but if his vision, his hearing, or his reaction time to things has diminished, taking away his license has to be considered and dealt with.
you and your family would feel so very bad if he had an accident and someone was injured or worse....
god bless!!
2006-11-29 22:06:38 · answer #9 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes its dangerous to drive even after 75 years
because after this age person stats to thing something
and involves deep in thinking and loses consious on what he is doing and what else accident so take care of ur father and not allow him to drive plz
2006-11-29 22:02:04 · answer #10 · answered by rick hei 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋