“And I know you can’t do it all”

Although it may be embarrassing to some, I must insist that driving tests are implemented once again after a person reaches the age of 70. While there are possibly some competent drivers over the age of 70, far too many have no idea what they are doing.

Please excuse me if I sound rude. My only purpose is to save the public from death by way of grandmas. My own grandmother would without a doubt lose her license immediately. I just think that at that age some of them have a greater difficulty remembering the rules or checking their blind spots.

A week or two ago I was visiting my grandparents. Conveniently, both sets live in the same town. The first pair that I visited are 82. Grandpa always drives because Grandma realized a long time ago that she couldn’t drive. Grandpa is an excellent driver even in his 80’s. Next I visited set number 2 who are both 72. Grandpa actually drives for a rental car company and returns the cars. I’m not sure if this is a really good idea because he is losing his memory, but at least he can drive. Grandma almost killed us both at least twice in our five minute drive to go get pizza. She drives exceedingly slow, has no idea when someone else is in the lane she wants in, and gets distracted while talking (which, if you think I talk too much, you ain’t seen nothing yet, I’m considered one of the quiet ones on that side of the family).

It’s dangerous to allow these people to drive just because they passed a driving test 60 years ago. There needs to be a better process by which to renew a license. I’m scared for my life.

Lyrics from The Hill by Marketa Irglova.