If and when I have to disengage from a lifetime of driving-I hope it it will be because I ( and only me) will have decided that I cannot see, react or fully understand the mechanics of the vehicle I am attempting to control.
If I still have my marbles-I would have done my research into alternatives such as bus, rail, taxi availablilty and willing friends. Yes-I will have lost a little of my independence, but to not have to worry about car maintenance, parking, reading unreliable maps and listening to inaudible sat nav instructions might be a blessed relief.
Indeed - I feel really sorry for many elderly people who nowadays have to contend on newer cars with mobile phone/PC levels of compelexity in operating ICE functions, let alone sat nav (which is increasingly useful on our congested roads), as well as the ever reducing rear view from manufacturers use of 'porthole' rear windows and thick C pillars.
I suppose the problem comes when older people do get forgetful or really start to get dementia etc and don't realise they aren't up to driving any more, as has been documented on these pages more than once.
I think its good that you are already preparing for this as it certainly comes as less of a shock than someone you love telling you that you should stop driving because you can't see properly or are a danger to yourself, passengers and other road users, as from previous cases I've read about, people often get very defensive (even if they still have all their marbles) when told so, even in the gentlest terms by family, friends and/or their GP: not nice to be told effectively you are now effectively (to some at least) 'on the scrapheap' or 'in God's waiting room - next stop, nursing home...'
I'll need to talk with my parents about planning for this, as they're in their mid 70s now and may only have one change of car left before giving up driving. They do use the free bus service when they can, so that's a start at least, although my mum won't now drive on dual carriageways or motorways (she doesn't like using 5th gear+).
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