Glenbrooke News

Reprinted with permission from anewscafe

 By Monty Hight October 19, 2009

Shortly after my first retirement from the California Highway Patrol, I became a volunteer American Association of Retired Persons driving instructor.  At the end of my first day of class, I contacted AARP and asked if I could make referrals to DMV and have priority re-examinations completed.

I was told no.

After sitting down and thinking about what I was trying to accomplish, it started to make sense.  AARP does offer a specific class on transitioning out of the driver’s seat.

If any readers have had the opportunity to read some of the blogs associated with these safety pieces, you may have read a few disparaging remarks regarding senior drivers.  There is acommon thread when it comes to driving a vehicle and that is most of us started driving at or around 16 years old and don’t have any plans of not driving.

The reality of this is that at some point, a decision needs to be made as to when do we turn over the keys.

Although law enforcement has a responsibility when it comes to removing unsafe drivers from the road, there is a system in place to help older drivers move from behind the steering wheel without giving up all their freedom.

The most common error by senior drivers is right-of-way violations as a result of reduced visibility/mobility and other age-related physical disabilities.  There are many senior programs that promote healthy choices and allow seniors to increase their physical strength, flexibility and mobility.  The fact that a senior driver (anyone 50 years of age or older) makes the decision to attend a safe driving class or participate in any program that aids their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle speaks greatly to their desire to continue to be an independent and safe driver.

The reality is that seniors need to get around just like everyone else, and lacking alternative transportation, they will continue to operate motor vehicles. We need to be aware of their specific limitations and not be part of the problem by crowding them, honking at them or using hand gestures that are not in any way beneficial.

The Department of Motor Vehicles in California has several programs in which seniors can come in and be re-evaluated.  Concerned persons and/or relatives who wish to have a loved one re-evaluated can do this through DMV.

Currently, once drivers reach the age of 70, they are required to go to DMV to renew their license and are not allowed online or mail-in renewal.  This gives DMV employees the opportunity to ask questions that might result in further examination.  I recently spoke with a DMV supervisor who said this in-person contact and additional attention is available to everyone, not just seniors.    Both the self-referral and the Potentially Unsafe Driver Fast Facts forms are available at dmv.ca.gov.

There is no question that people who do not operate a motor vehicle safely and are a hazard to themselves or others should not be driving.  The bigger concern is what we can do as a community to further assist those who fall into this category.  Instead of referring to our seniors as “blue-hairs” or “geezers,” let’s attempt to understand their situations and be part of the solution.  Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to retire from driving. It is a time, however, to slow down our lifestyle pace… just not on the freeway.

I know I’m going to catch heck with this article, but hopefully it will generate conversation in many families and the right choices will be made.  On behalf of the entire law-enforcement community, our goal is to assist you into your golden years, not to take you out from behind the wheel of your car.  Please, enjoy the drive.

Monty Hight is a retired California Highway Patrol officer and public information officer. He is the North State AVOID Campaign’s PIO. He lives in Redding. More information on AVOID can be found here.