As Maurice Chevalier so adroitly pointed out, "old age is not so bad when you consider the alternatives." However, as the bolus of baby boomers continues to boogie toward the end of the demographic charts, there are more drivers over the age of 50 on the roads than ever before. That creates problems; many senior drivers weren't that hot behind the wheel even before they became members of the bifocal brigade. With that in mind the AAA has partnered with the University of Florida's National Older Driver Research and Training Center to create the "Smart Features for Mature Drivers" web site. The site contains advice for chronologically enhanced drivers like "don't allow other drivers to pressure you into sudden moves" and "keep the radio volume low to minimize distraction." (No, they don't say "turn off your left-hand turn signal.") They even suggest what to look for when buying a new car, including large knobs, four doors, keyless ignition and proven crashworthiness. I know the AAA means well, but those of us who refuse to be seen in a Buick or Avalon agree with Mark Twain: "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." So excuse me for a while; there's an RS4 out there somewhere calling my name.
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A fossil driving a Buick. How original.
The article had one thing right for the AAARP generation – keyless entry and keyless ignition are a big help for people with arthritis who otherwise have the skills to safely drive a car.
keepaustinweird
A fossil driving a Buick. How original.
If you have a more original suggestion, or a better picture you’d like to contribute to the cause, let’s have it.
FW,
Maybe go with a Lutz stock photo?
What’s wrong with Buick?
The advise to stay out of the left lane would do wonders for all of us.
AAA wants the old(er) folks who can barely keep up to visit a website? My 76-year-old grandmother can hardly use a mouse and doesn’t understand how to use a browser. I’ve barely got her understanding how to turn the PC on and launch her games.
I’ve had a look at their site and you’d think they would increase the font size to something I could see.
OK …. I object.
I’m 55, my daily driver is a Firebird with a manual transmission, and I have no trouble rolling in and out of it. State of Residence is Minnesota, so you can bet it takes a bit of skill to drive a pony car in the winter!! Tail out is a wonderful way to live.
Maybe at 65 or so you can pry my cold, dead hands off the steeringwheel of the ‘Bird … but probably not!!!!