Driving is a privilege– not a right–for everyone

Driving is a privilege– not a right–for everyone

Nobody likes getting old and nobody likes the thought of losing his driving license. But the old man in Santa Monica who recently ran over and killed 10 people at the Farmers’ Market shouldn’t have been driving a car.

Not everyone is doomed to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, so the problem isn’t universal. But many of us will eventually have a wife or husband, mother or father, or grandmother or grandfather who’s lost the ability to drive.

When that happens, somebody needs to step forward and take responsibility. Preferably, the physician of the incapacitated person should be notified by a loved one. The doctor, in turn, can make an evaluation and, if necessary, notify the DMV.

Passing a driving test every four years isn’t enough, and too often, the driving test is skipped altogether.

Sooner or later, many of us will face a similar situation. As the Baby Boomers grow older, this problem will get worse.

It certainly isn’t going away.

When it’s obvious that a person is no longer capable of driving a vehicle, the spouse or adult children should take responsibility. Many of us would prefer to ignore the problem because we don’t want to deny independence or convenience to someone we love—nor do we want to make them more dependent on us.

It’s a delicate situation. The best answer, of course, is that the motorist himself realizes that he can’t drive anymore.

But how many of us would be willing to admit to it?

Until the law dictates that a family member is liable and must step forward regarding this situation, accidents will continue to happen.

Nobody would argue that a blind person should drive. But mental impairment is far too frequently overlooked.

It’s difficult to accept, but everyone needs to be reminded that driving is indeed a privilege, not a right.