I came across this interesting article this morning, which challenges some of our assumptions about older people driving, and comparing them to pedestrians.
Evidently, older drivers are no more likely to have accidents than younger ones,
and under some circumstances, may be better. For example, on a day when the weather is nasty, older drivers can choose to stay home, whereas younger ones must get to work, or take the kids to school.
And something not mentioned in the article is that older people may find that driving is a lot easier and more convenient than other methods of getting around. There may not be a bus route nearby, for example. I'm living in Canada's third-largest metropolitan area, and yet it's about four and a half blocks to the nearest downtown bus route, or nearly halfway from here to the supermarket. And how many old people enjoy packing home bags of groceries while on foot in the traffic? None that I know. So this isn't just a convenience issue, it's also about taking care of one's self and trying to stay alive and well.
Older drivers are more considerate drivers, also due to their experience, I´d say.
ReplyDeleteCurrent driving presumed.