Jun 4, 2009 7:44 pm US/Eastern
How Old Is Too Old To Drive?
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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A 93-year-old driver and his 90-year-old wife were in their Toyota Camry when it plowed through the front of the Wal-Mart in Danvers ealier this week.
T.Mandia/WBZ
With two
serious accidents involving
elderly drivers this week alone, many people are wondering how old is too old to drive. Currently, there are 183,000 licensed drivers in the state 80-years and older.
"There are places I won't go, like I won't go to Boston," said 87-year-old Eleanor Mathison of Melrose.
Mathison has been driving since 1941, when she learned how to drive Jeeps in the military.
She no longer drives at night, but thinks nothing of taking her 1989 Dodge Omni out during the day. She says if the state wanted to re-test her driving skills, she'd agree, but with a catch. "I think everybody should (be re-tested)."
There is proposed legislation that would require drivers 86 and older be re-tested in order to keep their license. In the past, similar measures have failed because politicians were wary of supporting them at the cost of senior voters.
Mary Riordan, 81, had to give up her license four years ago because of pain in her legs. It wasn't easy, but she says drivers have to put safety first. "They should realize what if they had an accident? It's very dangerous."
Regina Merrill, 68, would hate to lose her license. "I would be very, very disappointed," she said. "I like to go and visit my grandchildren. To be independent is one of my biggie things."
If lawmakers require elderly drivers be re-tested, Mathison says she'll gladly submit. And if told she can no longer drive, this woman who learned to drive jeeps during World War II would follow orders. "I would feel badly, but I would do it."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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