It has happened to all of us.
You’re driving down the road, and someone in the car next to you starts to drift into your lane.
You hit the brakes, swerve and of course speed up to see if your suspicions prove true.
Yep, it’s an elderly driver.
If you’re like me, you shake your head and put some distance between you and the drifting car. If you’re like others, you curse, honk your horn and gesture at grandma or grandpa.
| Ask us about traffic
Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. E-mail The Herald at stsmarts@ heraldnet.com. |
Either way, the issue of seniors driving on the road is a growing one in the United States, where the average age of the driving population goes up every day. After all, who could forget that the first wave of baby boomers is just three years away from collecting Social Security.
Still, many senior drivers are among the safest on the road. I’ve driven with many, including members of my own family. I’ve seen firsthand how their years of driving experience – and patience – have kept them out of tight situations behind the wheel.
These drivers are the same people who follow speed limits, who don’t swerve in and out of traffic and who don’t follow too closely. They’re also less likely to be caught yapping on a cell phone while putting on mascara, reading a book and sipping a latte.
At some point, though, we all will lose the ability to safely handle our vehicles, putting the life of the driver and those around that elderly driver at risk.
So what do we do about it?
Transit agencies offer programs that help the elderly get around, but they don’t always go everywhere all the time, and it sometimes can take too long for seniors to get picked up at their front door.
Besides, our constitutional right to move about freely goes counter to calling a transit agency and scheduling a trip to the grocery store. We all know we want to be able to just grab the keys, hop in our car and go.
So, tell me what you think.
Should there be vision tests after age 65?
Is there an age at which drivers should have to give up their driver’s license?
Should the State Patrol make it a priority to hand out tickets to drivers who go too slowly?
Should mass transit options for seniors – and the money to pay for it – be increased?
Please write me with your suggestions, experiences or thoughts. I’ll share a sampling of them in a future column.
Aren’t trucks’ loads supposed to be covered?
Question: I thought there was a law that said trucks carrying dirt and gravel must be covered. As it is, the only drivers who are happy are those who have windshield replacement companies. Can anything be done?
Phyllis Hansen, Arlington
Answer: A cover is not required so long as the load of sand, gravel or dirt is six inches below the walls holding the material in the vehicle.
You are welcome to call your local legislative representative to request a change in the law.
Christine Fox, State Patrol spokeswoman
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
