When Will You Give UP Your Car Keys?

L

Lon

Well-known Member
Location
Central California
I dread that day ever happening. I am fine and have no driving problems, but two of my much older friends 88 & 90 have recently had to do that and are now dependent on others to transport them hither and yon. Being able to drive a car well, gives one a sense of freedom and independence which all of us don't relish losing. I don't think there should be a mandatory age limit but do feel that actual road driving tests should be required at age 70 and then every four years.
Age really has nothing to do with how well a person can safely drive any vehicle.
 

"Age really has nothing to do with how well a person can safely drive any vehicle." QUOTE

Then what's the sense in tests beginning at a certain age?

I'm a hell of a lot safer driver than many half my age. And 70 isn't exactly ancient, anyway.
 
I imagine I'll give up my car keys if my vision deteriorates so badly that I can't see the signs or things around me. I don't wear prescription glasses yet, only OTC readers, so I doubt I'll have trouble that a pair of glasses won't fix.

Maybe physical issues would warrant me turning in my keys, like not having full use of my legs or being able to turn my head to see. Whatever the health issue, I will be the one to determine when and if I ever stop driving my vehicles. I don't plan on ever giving up my keys. I agree with Butterfly, I'm a safer driver than some of the younger people I see on the roads and highways, that's for sure. There better not be a mandatory age limit, and I disagree with any additional tests for seniors also.
 

I received a letter in the mail yesterday ,to go to the doctors for a check up regarding my drivers licence ..Its all related to the sudden collapse ( unexplained ) a couple of months ago , it states on the form its been noted I have cardiovascular health issues ...Hopefully everything will be ok as I seen a cardiologist on the 7 th Dec ,he had me do a stress test on the treadmill for 9 Minuites ,some of it at 6 km hour ,with the TM in a uphill position. The specialist said my heart rate ,BP , and speed / distance I was able to walk was equilivent to a 40 year old ..I'm 70 in Feb ..
 
After my last cataract job, I went to the DMV, took the eye test and had my glasses taken off my license. That was in 1997.
 
Lon said:
I dread that day ever happening. I am fine and have no driving problems, but two of my much older friends 88 & 90 have recently had to do that and are now dependent on others to transport them hither and yon. Being able to drive a car well, gives one a sense of freedom and independence which all of us don't relish losing. I don't think there should be a mandatory age limit but do feel that actual road driving tests should be required at age 70 and then every four years.
Age really has nothing to do with how well a person can safely drive any vehicle.
Click to expand...

Lon, beg to differ a bit on that. Bein' a technical guy, you know all about "reaction time". I can sense and feel my own deteriorating. Please be careful in that respect. imp
 
I'll probably give up my keys the last time I get hit by a freight train.

LOL! Seriously, my husband and I have made a promise to each other. We'll be honest and have a talk about it when the time comes, and one will give up the keys.

And the other won't complain about driving.
 
If you have a medical condition that makes it unsafe to drive, that's one thing; but just because you are a certain age doesn't in itself mean it's unsafe to drive. I think road testing at 70 would just be another ageism thing and cost everybody a lot of money and accomplish very little. How 'bout road testing people who have culpable accidents or who get reckless driving tickets?
 
In the UK our driving licences are Valid from whatever age we first pass our driving test, until the age of 70....then although no medical is required the Licence must be renewed and then again every 3 years thereafter.

I would hope never to have to give up my driving licence..I live in a fairly rural area and would hate to be stranded without a car. However I would give it up albeit reluctantly if I had health issues that might make me a danger to myself and other road users.
 
I'll give up my car keys when I have a chauffeur to drive me everywhere.

Seriously, I enjoy driving and would hate to have to surrender my independence. I'll do all I can to forstall the day.
 
As usual, I'm the odd-ball of the group.

I voluntarily gave up my keys - and license - many years ago.

I had a great driving record - it wasn't anything medical related. I gave them up because I grew weary of the jerks, the speeders, the tail-gaters, the red-light-runners, the insanity of finding a parking spot within 5 blocks of home, the thefts ...

I just grew tired of the BS.
 
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