What older drivers fear

WHAT an excellent letter on this very delicate subject of telling someone that he or she can no longer drive his or her car (“Ensure elderly, kids protected”, November 15)! What they actually fear is: ý You are telling me that I am too old, incapable and useless, and you are insulting me;

ý You are taking away my freedom to go to and from places when I need to;

ý You are taking away the very keys I have carried with me ever since I was 18 years of age;

ý To most men, “my status symbol” is my pride and joy;

ý My “position” when behind that wheel of being-in-charge, responsible, in command is in jeopardy;

ý Have only had one accident in many, many years of driving – of no fault of my own!

ý Certainly a major change in a person’s status and lifestyle.

Here are a few important considerations which may help in working through this inevitable situation:

Do not be too hasty in the change-over, such as doing away with the car keys overnight at the first provocation. This is also not an age problem! ý Perhaps start with no lengthy trips alone in excess of 200km; ý No night driving; ý Avoiding peak-hour driving; ý No driving after a serious illness or physical operation until the recommended curative period has elapsed;

ý Remember your reaction time minimises rapidly with age;

ý Bear in mind that your driving skills put not only your own safety at risk but, more importantly, those of your passengers and fellow motorists.

I write this in the hope that it will help those affected, both drivers and someone who has to tell their mom, dad, grandparents, best friend or whoever!

Elderly driver, Port Elizabeth