Seniors behind the wheel
Veteran drivers weigh in on how they’ll decide when it’s time to hang up the keys
At 90 years old, Elizabeth Winter is as independent as they come.
“I first got my licence when I was 18,” Winter told The Telegram as she was loading her groceries into the trunk of her car. “I was driving a stick shift truck, and I remember the toughest part was trying to get up Long’s Hill.”
A lot has changed for Winter in those 72 years. Now she limits her driving.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to drive at night or on the highway,” she said. “But it’s important for me to drive. It keeps me active.” Winter plays bridge with a group of friends, and she is the youngest player.
“Two of them are still driving, but the rest gave it up voluntarily.
“I think I’ll kind of just know when it’s time to stop,” said Winter. “I know that when there’s a passenger in the car with me it’s easy to get distracted, so I try to be extra careful.”
At 86, Jane Crosbie is still driving and, similar to Winter, she sticks to routes that she’s comfortable with.
“I follow the rules of the road,” Crosbie said. “I’m not driving all over the place like I used to.”
Crosbie said the roads aren’t like they used to be — traffic is much heavier, and cars are much faster.
“I never dreamed that I would still be driving at this age,” said Crosbie. “I don’t believe I’ll be driving much longer.”
Recently, State Farm released the results of a national survey highlighting the concerns Canadians have about seniors behind the wheel.
The results show:
• 34 per cent of Newfoundlanders believe they will keep their licence until between the ages of 75-79.
• 93 per cent of Newfoundlanders believe family members should speak with senior family members about giving up their licence if they are concerned about safety.
• 63 per cent of Newfoundlanders said they have not had a conversation with a senior family member about giving up his or her licence.
• 46 per cent of Newfoundlanders said problems with reflexes and range of motion are the most dangerous warning signs that a senior citizen is unfit to drive.
Drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador need to submit a medical report when renewing their licences at age 75, age 80 and every two years thereafter.
Margot Reid is among the Newfoundland and Labradorians who submitted this medical report — and passed with flying colours — at just one month shy of 90 years old.
Unlike most her age, she doesn’t shy away from nighttime driving.
“I do it all, my dear,” said Reid. “I won’t stop until I go, mentally and physically.”
“Many people are too nervous to drive as they get older. You have to be very alert, have good hearing and vision. I wouldn’t drive if I didn’t have all of these