Seniors behind the wheel need to be watched

I read and agreed completely with Bob Fryer's letter (The Acorn, Sept. 28) on some of our unsafe bike lanes and the recent heartbreaking accident involving cyclist Dr. Garvin. I would like to add something that I have not seen mentioned.

I have the pleasure of work- ing with seniors. They are in- spiring and great to be around. I learn a lot.

One important thing they have taught me is this: when the time has come for them to turn in their drivers' licenses, most of them do. They learn different ways to get around by relying on friends and family and public transit, which is readily available to them. They use Dial-A-Ride and other various ways to go to the hospital, market, etc.

As one senior so aptly put it, I'd rather not have my license than someone not have their life.

My intention here is to bring awareness to all adult children to please monitor your elderly par- ents' driving abilities. Sometime they will not know when to stop driving and need intervention. Saying, "Well, grandma needs her independence," is not respon- sible, because at what cost is that independence?

The police do their best to watch out for unsafe drivers, but we need to be mindful of those seniors who should not be behind the wheel. It may save someone's life.

Thank you for a great commu- nity paper, Acorn. Craige Story Westlake Village