Graduated licensing proposed for seniors

Last week Friday a friend and I pulled into a restaurant’s parking lot.  The car in the spot in front of us was parked haphazardly.  It was straddling the lines at the side and at the back.  Seemingly,  the driver had some problems navigating the space.

While we were getting out, the driver exited the car.  It was an elderly woman.  she was almost doubled over in half and my friend and I exchanged glances.  We both were having the same thoughts.  ”She should not be driving!”  It wasn’t her age or her physical setbacks.  We made a call based on what we saw.

On our lunch, we both conversed on the reasons why there should be a Graduated Licensing System.  There are elderly men and women who are great drivers but on the flipside, there are many who are suffering from age-related deterioration in their abilities to operate a vehicle.  Their pride makes them cling to this last vestige of their independence.   An elderly woman that my mom once worked with admitted that her ability to drive was so diminished that she would usually follow the car ahead of her.  Thankfully, she gave up her license before something terrible took place.

With Graduated Licensing, seniors who pose a threat to other motorists and themselves would be weeded out from those who are still able to drive and recognize traffic rules.   This would also remove this unenviable task from the family.  Have you Tried  taking a senior’s Driver’s License?

So I greeted news of the proposal of such a system in Canada with eager anticipation.  Read story here.  Any system that could reduce injuries and lost of lives is ok with me.

Related articles

• New rules for licensing young drivers aim to reduce number of road deaths (calgaryherald.com)
• CMAJ editorial calls for graduated licences for seniors (cbc.ca)
• In Defense of Older Drivers (businessweek.com)

The Goody Two-Shoes Driver

This morning while running on a very tight schedule, I was unfortunately stuck behind a vehicle whose driver was not only intent on delaying me further but also seemed to be going the same place as I was.  I fumed and did a slow burn when he pulled up to a stop sign as I think he actually put the car in park each time.  When he got going, he kept well within the speed limit.

Ok, I got it! You are turning right up ahead.  You have been signalling a block away now turn already!  I thought this as followed this pace setter in a snail’s race.  I glanced at the time that was ticking away in mockery of me.  It was infuriating.  It was stressful. It raised my blood pressure. Traveling the speed limit?  Coming to a dead stop at stop signs? Signalling way in advance of turning? Who is this guy? Some sort of Goody Two-Shoes driver?

I didn’t pass him when I got the  chance. No way!  Why would I? I can’t afford a speeding ticket first thing on a Saturday morning.  So I stayed comfortably behind him and cursed his ancestors.

I arrived at my destination only one minute late (I forgot to mention that I sort of left home a little late. Sort of) and without a demerit on my driving record.  Thank you Mr. Goody Two-Shoes.  I wish everyone drove like you.  Your ancestors should be proud.

In case you missed it, the point is that many of us are guilty of getting mad when we get stuck behind someone who chose to obey traffic rules.  We blame them for making us run late for work or appointments because it is easier than accepting responsibility.  That was my initial reaction to driving behind Mr. Two-Shoes.  I was smart to realize that I was the one with the problem and needed an attitude adjustment.  The roads need more Goody Two-Shoes drivers and that’s exactly my take.