How and when should the question be raised about when to stop?
2007-09-12 01:46:46 · 16 answers · asked by Ange 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
When you definitely think they pose a danger to themselves and others with their driving.
2007-09-12 01:51:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
When they start using pot, booze, etc., driving too fast for conditions due to inexperience, thinking they can outrun the police, not getting new tires or other repairs when needed, thinking a drive in the country is the place to have a pillow fight (or other immature shenanigans), showing off how fast the heap will go, tail-gating, taking their eyes off the road because they might miss something going on in the back seat, losing control of the car because a beer bottle rolls under the brake pedal, getting head while driving, etc. I'll take my chances any day with oldsters, rather than new, inexperienced drivers who too frequently are unprepared for the hazards out there. Truthfully, many people never grow out of their teenage recklessness and unfortunately never live to be that "driving elderly parent." The fact that they made it this far speaks well of their driving habits. I'm 76, in PA for 32 years, w/o a moving citation. I always yield simply as a courtesy. In fact, I drive consciously to assist other drivers from getting into trouble. For instance, I was behind a woman on a highspeed highway, who hesitated dangerously at a fork in the road. I immediately put on my caution blinkers, as well as flashing my brake lights (possibly avoiding a rear-ender of my own from my rear) until she finally decided which way to go. The driver behind me caught on and waved amiably. But, you, as your parents conscientious offspring, have both a right and duty to keep a sharp eye for when THAT day comes. As you're obviously aware, there are so many factors involved in keeping an eye on them: health, eyesight, alertness, caution in bad weather. They're lucky they have you, and they better know it! To answer your question, it can't be answered. It will, one day, be apparent.
2007-09-12 17:27:14 · answer #2 · answered by te144 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, you know your parents, I don't. Are you saying they're dangerous or something? Are you basing it purely upon their age? In that case, the question needn't be raised at all, because being 77 years old doesn't mean they're unsafe.
If that seems unhelpful, try to imagine that I'm miles away and I've never seen your good parents or seen them drive!
2007-09-14 12:33:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When to stop what? Driving?
If so, that should only be raised when they prove to be a danger to others on the road. Ride with them a few times and if its a clear danger to others then have a talk with them and try and explain. It wont work right away, but maybe they will understand after its brought to their attention.
2007-09-12 01:51:00 · answer #4 · answered by Rick R , Super Duper Samurai 侍 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Rick R. They should be able to drive until they are no longer able or no longer want to. My grandmother drove until she was 92 and then voluntarily gave up her license because she just didn't want to do it anymore. She then moved in with my Aunt who drove her to the places she needed to go.
Even at 92 she was still sound of mind and very capable of driving so it was all her choice. Though not everyone wants to make that decision.
So as Rick says, drive with them every few months or so in various weather conditions. Gage their reactions and how they drive. If they are becomming a danger then you'll probably need to move them closer to you so that you and your husband can drive them around when they need it. Independance can be a very hard thing for someone to give up...so if you do need to convince that its time to stop driving do it as gently as you can and come up with ways that they can still be independant.
2007-09-12 01:56:44 · answer #5 · answered by Irish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats very difficult. My Grandad is 85 and still insists on driving as he lives in a remote place.
He usually drives around 30mph everywhere and has had a crash but he won't give up his car.
2007-09-12 01:55:53 · answer #6 · answered by Bex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Mum stopped when her eyesight became an obvious problem. She is now 97 yrs old. My Dad stopped driving basically when he died at 92. The question should always be there but unless they are unable to keep safe they could have many years more.
2007-09-12 01:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by oldhombre 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There have been quite a few cases recently where elderly people have caused serious accidents - one mounted the pavement killing a toddler - so if you think that your parents aren't fit to drive then you should talk to them about it. If they refuse to co-operate then contact their GP - he has a legal duty to report driver infirmity to the DVLA.
If the GP won't co-operate the inform the DVLA yourself. It might be 'grassing them up', but you might be saving both them and innocent members of the public from death or injury.
2007-09-12 01:57:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
desktop anie i suppose your parents had a hard life on farm driving tractors etc and are tuff cookies they will be driving when you pack in dont worry about them local farmer is 91 still driving old moggie 1000
2007-09-12 11:04:01 · answer #9 · answered by ken p 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Eldery drivers can cause accidents but nothing compared
with careless inexperienced young drivers.
2007-09-12 02:56:34 · answer #10 · answered by swenson0 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋