Do you still drive? Age?

I'm 76, Hubby 77. Until recently we had two cars, both quite old. We lent one to a granddaughter and she was sideswiped on the motorway and the car was written off. It was my decision then to get a second hand mobility scooter rather than replace the damaged car.

I am a confident driver, Hubby is less so. I can see the day coming when we might give up the last car and I want to be prepared for it. We will take public transport or a taxi when necessary and for short forays to the shops, church, doctor etc we may have a set of his and hers scooters.

I am also prepared for online shopping when we no longer have the capacity to bring home a full grocery shop. I grew up in a house that had no car and am not daunted by the prospect of not having one in my coming years. But that year is not this year, that day is not today.
 
Warrigal said:
I'm 76, Hubby 77. Until recently we had two cars, both quite old. We lent one to a granddaughter and she was sideswiped on the motorway and the car was written off. It was my decision then to get a second hand mobility scooter rather than replace the damaged car.

I am a confident driver, Hubby is less so. I can see the day coming when we might give up the last car and I want to be prepared for it. We will take public transport or a taxi when necessary and for short forays to the shops, church, doctor etc we may have a set of his and hers scooters.

I am also prepared for online shopping when we no longer have the capacity to bring home a full grocery shop. I grew up in a house that had no car and am not daunted by the prospect of not having one in my coming years. But that year is not this year, that day is not today.
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On line shopping is the best thing since Apple Pie :ROFLMAO:
 
Yes, I still drive, but just around my area. I have a 10 year old Corolla with less that 25,000kms.
so you know I don't go very far, but it is my independence - I can go to the grocery store or
shopping center when it suits me and not depend on our residence bus and it's schedule.
 
Ladybj said:
@Knight I am horrible at backing up in a parking space. My hubby is a pro. I know if I put my mind to it I can do it. One place we moved from, I finally learned how to park in the drive way. Now we have a two car garage and I have not attempted to back up in the driveway. I am sure I can do it, if I really tried. I have been in a few tight spots where vehicles were very close to my vehicle on each side and I had to back out of a parking space.. I did very well. I consider myself a very good driver.
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I never back in. It's difficult between two cars. Backing out I put the emergency blinkers on. Usually there are plenty of spots away from the entrances and I don't mind the walk.

I'm intrigued by those who back in at our apartment even when there are no other cars parked. I don't see the advantage. I try it and end up halfway in the next spot.
 
Camper6 said:
I never back in. It's difficult between two cars. Backing out I put the emergency blinkers on. Usually there are plenty of spots away from the entrances and I don't mind the walk.

I'm intrigued by those who back in at our apartment even when there are no other cars parked. I don't see the advantage. I try it and end up halfway in the next spot.
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They probably do it so it's easier to drive off when there's more cars parked next to them (in the morning?). It wouldn't be so scary backing up if walkers and other cars stopped if they see you backing up. If possible, when in a parking lot, I drive into the opposite spot so that I can just drive off instead of backing up from my spot.
 
My mother was still driving at 94, up until a couple of weeks ago when she had a small stroke. She had/has excellent eyesight and good reflexes. Of course, she pretty much kept her driving to church, the doctors, the grocery store...…..essentially places she could almost drive to blindfolded...LOL.

Now, she says she's going to sell the car and just depend on family and friends. I'll believe it when I see that car disappearing down the driveway. I expect her to change her mind any day.
 
Camper6 said:
I never back in. It's difficult between two cars. Backing out I put the emergency blinkers on. Usually there are plenty of spots away from the entrances and I don't mind the walk.

I'm intrigued by those who back in at our apartment even when there are no other cars parked. I don't see the advantage. I try it and end up halfway in the next spot.
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I was taught to back in so that if the car wouldn't start it would be easier to get a jump, tow, etc...

The same with lectures about always operating on the top half of a tank of gas.

I grew up in a family with lots and lots of lectures that still play in my head today.
 
Camper6 said:
I never back in. It's difficult between two cars. Backing out I put the emergency blinkers on. Usually there are plenty of spots away from the entrances and I don't mind the walk.

I'm intrigued by those who back in at our apartment even when there are no other cars parked. I don't see the advantage. I try it and end up halfway in the next spot.
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That would be me.. halfway in the next spot...:ROFLMAO:
 
I don't know if you have had to call for a roadside service battery problem lately. But they don't use jump cables anymore. They have portable units to jump start the car. For a tow it makes no difference. They winch the car onto a flat bed trailer where I live it's really cold and electrical outlets are provided at the parking spots so you drive in. The cars have a 'block heater' which heats the anti freeze for easier starts. You can also plug in a battery charger. Temperatures here in winter can get to -30 F.
The real advantage to backing in is a clear vision to driving out. My admiration to those who can do it because I can't.
The landlords insist you keep your car in shape so that the lot can be cleared of snow and you have to move your vehicle out.
 
Camper6 said:
The landlords insist you keep your car in shape so that the lot can be cleared of snow and you have to move your vehicle out.
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The snow is another good reason to back into a long term parking space if you have rear-wheel drive, it usually gives you a full car length of clear area beneath the car to get traction/momentum when pulling out into a snow-covered parking lot.

It is interesting why some people have an issue backing into a parking space as opposed to backing out of a parking space.
 
You was would be terrific in a bank hold up.
Aunt Bea said:
The snow is another good reason to back into a long term parking space if you have rear-wheel drive, it usually gives you a full car length of clear area beneath the car to get traction/momentum when pulling out into a snow-covered parking lot.

It is interesting why some people have an issue backing into a parking space as opposed to backing out of a parking space.
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its a question of having to fit your car in between two other cars. That's no easy feat.
It's much easier to drive in and back out.
Front wheel drive means you get full traction driving in in backing out.
Whatever you are comfortable with.
Driving in is a must here in the winter. Summer, just do your own thing.
Speaking of snow. Here to greet me this morning.
snow.jpg
 
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Yep im still driving ...aged 64.....but not that i enjoy it...not now...too many old people on the road, 80 yrs odd...and takes so much concentration, it wears me out......but, its our only means of getting out ,since hubbys stroke.....i am lucky, to have brand new cars now.....so that tempts me somewhat.....😊😊
 

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