Dear Paul B,
People really don’t think too much of aging drivers. They don’t realize what we’re all about, not to mention the lack of respect we receive in general anyway. Our reflexes are diminished, our ability to react to drivers who honk, and are in a big hurry, and consider us as clogging up the streets. After all, we have nowhere to go, and we should just get the heck out of the way, right? We are courteous and safe, we don’t tailgate drivers, we typically let others cut in when appropriate, and we don’t give drivers the finger. I can’t remember getting any disappointing looks or fist waving from seniors either. Maybe it’s me. But, you all don’t realize that we cling to our independence, and fear accidents, or getting tickets and committing any violations whatsoever. Is this such a terrible thing that younger drivers should treat us with such malice? I think not. We have every right, as do you, do operate a motor vehicle. We are safer on the roads than you, and you need to respect us, because WE HAVE EARNED IT! You too may live to be our age one day—if you don’t end up as ROAD KILL. Slow down, respect others (including we Seniors,) and be safe out there. Jeopardizing ones life because you’ll be five minutes late for work, makes zero common sense—that’s one thing we SENIORS still have..Thank you for listening (and reading.) Please print this, Paul B. I know you won’t let us down.
Margaret May
Dear Maggie May
I have heard from you before, but this is your most poignant letter to date. Well put, and a very appropriate point that you make. I am embarrassed to admit, that I have passed up many a Senior and rarely give them the benefit of the doubt. My Mother is 91 and was driving (until she recently gave up the privilege,) and was thrilled that she did drive ever so slowly. Her hearing, vision, reflexes, flexibility to turn and see cars in her blind spot, were extremely limited. Do we need these people driving 70 mph on the highway, zigzaging and out of traffic like everyone else? I guarantee that we wouldn’t have an over-population issue any longer… Maggie has a right to speak up, and we need to respect theses folks, because we’ll be in walking (or driving) in those shoes one day ourselves. Let’s honk to say hi instead…..ok?
Paul B
ABOUT ASK PAUL B! … WRITE PAUL B! …
ASK PAUL B! usually appears on Thursday evenings, but occasionally appears on other days or times so the article might be introduced to new readers.
IMPORTANT LEGAL STUFF:
Advice is offered for general discussion. Any advice from a columnist or someone who has never actually met you is not guaranteed to be fit for your particular situation. While the advice might help send you in the right direction to find a solution to your problem, missing information or lack of specific dialogue might cause you harm, or delay a solution to your problem. Never use this advice as the sole replacement for advice from a physician, psychologist or other health professional or other professional. The information provided through any Arlingtoncardinal.com post or Ask Paul B! post is not a substitute for health, legal and other professional advice where specific facts and circumstances warrant additional personal attention. If any reader requires legal advice, health advice or other professional assistance, each reader should always consult his or her own legal, health professional, or other professional advisors and discuss the facts and circumstances that specifically apply to the user. Consider the topics discussed as a part of your overall experience for your pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Don’t hesitate to get help when you might need professional help.
The views of Ask Paul B! are not necessarily the views of The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com.
Get updates from The Cardinal ALL NEWS FEEDS on Facebook. Just ‘LIKE’ the ‘Arlington Cardinal Page (become a fan of our page). The updates cover all posts and sub-category posts from The Cardinal — Arlingtoncardinal.com. You can also limit feeds to specific categories. See all of The Cardinal Facebook fan pages at Arlingtoncardinal.com/about/facebook …