Reader comments
Elderly drivers — a tough call

Bob G | 6:08 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

This family if their claims have any merit should be working with the Drivers License division of Utah. If the DLV and his doctor determeines he is of still sound mind and abilities the family is barking up the wrong tree. Their claims of him being inept is a matter they should not be involved with. I have seen many cars in Utah driving around with serious damage to them so that is an imaterial statement. This law they seem to be endorsing is not a good law and is too discriminatory and interfering with the fathers rights and freedoms. Bet this family is not offering to be their fathers daily chaufer as they try to take his license from him in light of their own fears and experience of numerous accidents to themselves. The state already has laws about senior drivers and they seem sufficient. What we need are more laws to control younger drivers causing the majority of accidents in Utah. The elderly are better drivers than most 18-35 year olds acting out their fantasies of driving in a deadly NASCAR race on the freeways and around town, forcing everyone to stay out of their way.

What about... | 7:52 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

all the other idiotic drivers? Why single out the elderly? They are less dangerous than those idiot drivers who don't obay traffic laws.

WHAT? | 8:10 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

This gentleman was 94 years old. Taking his license should have been a "no brainer". Did any of his children step up to take him to the temple? or shopping or anything else?

On the other hand we should be cracking down on the teen age drivers who are more of a problem.

Comments continue below

Nathan Baker | 8:26 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

First off I'm most concerned of the potential innocent individuals without regard to the age of the driver. Before this gets too far over the edge I would personaly hope that readers would not crucify the writer, Sara Israelsen-Hartley, or my family for being involved or our lack of involvement with this driving issue. I believe the intent of this article was to enlighten others of the difficult challenges we have experienced through this period of time.

There is no doubt that dad loved to drive was a good driver. By his own admission since Thanksgiving he expressed that he shouldn't be on the road after dark. For the past several years we as children, both in Idaho and Utah, have offered and even contrived ways of getting dad to go with us or take him to his desired destinations. Even to the temple five times/week.

I appreciate Sarah's mentioning of different resources available to assist in making correct choices. I appreciate learning of SB34. I have no idea of it's value.

I firmly believe this issue is not going to be resolved unless individuals, at all levels, make personal wise decisions.

bcs | 8:27 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

the only way we could keep our elderly family members from becoming a statistic is to sit down with them and have a really serious conversation, that included a complete chauffer plan. Not the subterfuge of hiding keys and stealing cars. All the kids work together to keep them active, interested and passengers. I am happy to say that for the most part it is working, although the ice cream run is still a problem!

Anonymous | 8:54 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

It should be simple. We have a minimum age for driving, which is 16. We don't let 13-year-olds drive. If we gave them four hours of drivers ed and six chances to pass the driving test, they could all do it. But no matter. We've decided that anything under 16 is too young. By the same reasoning, there should be an upper limit, maybe 85. It should be established by law, just like the lower limit. After a certain age, drivers are simply too old. We shouldn't be bending over backward to keep them on the road.

Dale S. | 8:49 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

We to had this problem with our father. It was very difficult and when he was finally diagnosed with a tumor, he still wanted to drive so the family ended up hiding his keys from him. It is very tough, but that is better than having him run over an innocent bystander.

Anonymous | 8:53 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Don't bash teen drivers. Not all of them are "bad". The "punks" many see driving their "tricked" "pimped out" or "ricer" cars, are not always teens. Many are gang members. Some are much older than you might think.

My family finnally convinced my granddads Dr. to have his license revoked after he had "blown" several red lights because he couldn't remember a traffic light being there. My grandmothers were much easier and voluntarily restricted themselves.
The loss of freedom can be huge. If we remember that loss when a loved one must stop driving or risk the loss of life, pehaps it will be easier on everyone involved.

Fred | 9:25 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Only a family doctor knows what stage an elderly person is in. If they are forgetful - not just talking about where I left my key - because that would eliminate most of us. I think personally medical professionals should be able to contact the drivers license agency removing the family from involvement.

Grandma Jean | 9:43 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

My dad was an excellent driver until a serious illness three years ago. At the time he and his wife were unable to remain in their apt and went to assisted living. Fortunately, the car belonged to her and her children sold it. My dad worried when his driver's license was coming up for review. My daughter (his granddaughter) commented that what he was most worried about was losing his identity. When it was time to renew, we went to the DMV and asked to have it replaced with a Utah ID card. It happened so quickly that he said he didn't realize how easy it would be. He still maintains that if he had a car he could continue to drive. However, whenever I take him places--very often--and see how slowly he walks and how long it takes for him to write out a check, I know that his response time on the road would not be what is needed. Yes, he misses his independence but we feel better knowing that others on the road are safer without him driving.

easy | 9:49 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

This is not difficult at all. After a certain age people should have to take periodic checkups for driving. I have had seizures and the state made me go through all kinds of hoops (rightfully so) to prove I was not a danger to myself or anyone else. There should be some kind of similar standard for elderly. If a doctor or family emmber suspects a drvier is a danger they should make the call. I had to do this with my own mother and yes, it was sad, but it was the right thing to do.

Tough call | 10:09 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I'm guessing anonymous at 8:54 am is young. Giving up a driver's license is a big deal--try having your car in the shop for a week and see what it's like. My father is at the age where his driving is questionable at times, and better than many other drivers at others. That said, I can't imagine telling him one day that he can no longer have that ability to go where he wants to go, when he wants to go there, but that has to be weighed with the affect injuring someone else would have on him.

No easy road on this one, but aritrary age limits for experienced drivers shouldn't be on the table, IMHO.

Anonymous | 10:06 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Perhaps it would be a good idea to require those over a certain age, say 80, to have to retake the test in order to renew their license. That way if they were capable of driving they could have their freedom, and we can be aware of those who are not suitable to drive. Also, why do elderly get six chances to pass while teens get three? It should be the same for everyone. Six is generous for any age. How about three strikes, your out?

Anonymous | 11:16 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

My husband had a stroke and basically never drove again. It was difficult to talk him into "retiring" from driving, he tried it a couple of times on dirt roads with no one around and it was terrifying. WHile I am younger and can drive him anywhere, others stepped up and said they would be glad to help take him anywhere and even wait while he was at the doctor or wherever. Finally his license expired and I talked him into a Utah ID card. I told him that if he wrecked the car he could afford to buy a new one on the way home but how could he live with himself if he killed or maimed someone for life? Driving is a very complex skill and with so many people that run red lights and make stupid errors while talking or texting we all need to be more cautious and anyone can benefit from a defensive driving class. Use the word retiring from driving rather than being angry with a parent or spouse and make sure they have alternatives available to get them places.

anonymous | 12:54 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

I actually agree with a age restriction on driving. This is why we have a bus system they also have one specifically for the elderly. I lived without a car for many years, yes it was an inconvenience but it is possible to get around without one. Once their reflexes are no longer what they used to be they cease to be "experienced drivers".

wrz | 1:21 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

>

When you get to 85 will your opinion be the same?

CBaker | 1:45 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

To Bob G,

I know for a fact that this had been a serious situtaion for the family for a while. I also know that the attempts to "help" Granpda around his transportation dilemma never caused anyone to have to sacrifice too much for him to meet his needs. There were plenty of helping hands and offers available.

I will tell you now, that finding out your elderly loved one died as a result of an accident and hearing that someone else's life (or lives) may be effected because your elderly loved one's mistakes is a horrible feeling. I pray for those involved in Grandpa's accident still and hope that full recovery of their lives may be met in every instance.

The tree the family is (so-called) barking up is one of personal and family responsiblities meshing with the laws already in place and those that may someday be beneficial in saving lives and preventing heartache. The point being, maybe some planning, love, and communication can prevent this.

You won't find many other families where the children have tried as hard to accomodate and help protect their father and those innocent people on the road with him.

Babette | 2:42 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

My grandmother renewed her license at the age of 100, and I felt perfectly safe riding with her. At the same time, there was a person in my home state (Florida) who was in his late 70s that thought he had hit three garbage cans that turned out to be children (they all died). I think the idea of a yearly renewal, requiring a driving test, after a certain age is a good one. This will allow those who still have the capability to continue to maintain their independence.

Currently I'm sandwiched between generations whose driving must be monitored. I have teenagers just learning to drive, and a parent whom I have begged to give up her license (she did). Often my teenagers are better drivers because they don't drive by habit. They actually pay attention. I worry about the time when I will have to ask my father to quit driving, because I know he will not be willing.

My condolences to those who lost their father. I'm grateful you are willing to speak out about this sensitive, and difficult, issue.

gordon | 3:15 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Bob G. I understand your perspective on SB34, I would like you to understand mine, on February 21st after almost two years and nine surgerys I will have the stiches from my hopefully last one removed from the stump of what was one perfectly good left leg. I am now a cripple as a lovely eighty year old woman drove down the wrong side of the road cutting my left leg off, and crushing my knee beyound any use. My life as I once new it, is over, the lives of my wife and children will never be the same. Bob I will tell you that when I can on longer drive I do not want to do to someone else what has been done to me. If SB34 had been law in 2005 or earler I might still walk on two legs, as it is now I spend a lot of time on cruthes. All that I ask is if there is a question of ability what can be wrong with a test

Tough decision | 4:20 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

The decision for a family to take away an elderly family members keys in time to prevent the first accident is a tough one. In some cases you might as well put them in a home, or shoot them in the head (as some would tell you they prefer).

The problem is... if we don't do something about it in time, you are puting random people among the driving public at risk.

It's just a tough decision. I'm not usually for new laws, but a test to help determine when the time is right would be helpfull (if such a test is possible).

getting there | 4:25 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Anonymous 12:54
Lucky you that you lived in a city where there was a bus system. I live in the country on a farm where the closest doctor, drug store and grocery story is 12 miles away. Think I want to walk to town? Why are we trying to stereotype people of different ages and personalities and varying degrees of ability. I am passed by more young people going 15 miles over the speed limit and darting in and out of cars than older people who drive the speed limit and watch out for others.

To What | 7:54 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

Maybe its a no brainer in your family, but my father is 90 and still a better driver than many of the teens I seen out near Bingham High School. They are the really scarry ones.

mom of other driver | 11:52 p.m. Feb. 11, 2008

As the UHP officer told me about the driver my son broadsided (94 yrs. and handicapped with only one hand), my heart ached for this family. This could have been my father, too. We(3 daughters) were not very popular with my 88 yr. old dad when we stopped him from driving. I guess it's Tough Love in reverse with the kids in the parent role.

I think a yearly drivers test should be mandatory for elderly drivers with 2-3 tries and you are out. If they are driving as good as they think they are, once would do it. Age isn't the only criteria, but SKILL should have the final say.

I'm sorry for your loss because I've been in your shoes. I'm also sorry for memories my son will carry.

FYI: Mr. Baker was going north, crossed from the right hand lane directly west to the left hand lane where my son hit him almost broadside in the drivers door. He was driving very slowly. Could it have been a heart attack or stroke??

Jo | 10:18 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

The idea of not identifying the person who makes the complaint is bad. Anyone with a vendetta against an older person could cause a lot of problems.

On the other hand. How do you rid the road of those hot shots who think they can weave in and out of traffic and cause many to brake quickley? Then there are the truck drivers who think the middle lane was meant for their big rigs, thus blocking traffic and causing people to pass when it isn't safe to do so.

How about more driver education for all?

Anonymous | 3:11 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

To Jo,
I hope you have more personal responsibility than to blame another motorist (truck driver) for your driving in an unsafe manner. The big rigs are driven by professional drivers who have a lot more driving experience and training than other motorists. A big rig in the middle lane allows other motorists to enter and exit the freeway without impeding traffic or the speed of the truck. If the truck is going slower than traffic, check the vehicle in front (up to 200ft.) of the truck, is the other motorist (an elderly person driving past their expiration date) the one causing the bottleneck? The truck drivers must retake tests (including health exams) frequently to assure the safety of other motorists. This should be implemented for other drivers as well.

JPMP | 6:25 a.m. March 1, 2008

I was also involved in an accident whereby the driver with dimensia came across the median and hit our car on a major highway. The elderly driver along with the driver of our car was killed. I know some 60 year olds that shouldn't be driving. It isn't just a person's age but whether they are truly capable of being able to drive.There should be mandatory driving tests every 5 years for every driver. Typcially, in OH we only require mandatory tests for new drivers or those with expired licenses. There should also be mandatory medical examinations (by doctor)required after 80 years old. The driver's licencse bureau's in each state should also be required to check: vision,hearing and reaction time for each driver renewing their licenses. My heart goes out to the Bakers and also the semi driver's family.

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