[Frangyomory]

We have lived here for three years. I absolutely love the Villages and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. My cause for concern is individuals who continue to drive long after they should have turned in their license.

There are accidents almost every day becaus people are either driving a car and they have poor reflexes or can't see well enough. We also have people driving golf carts who have never driven a car and don't have good reflexes either.

I worry about these people and wonder why their families don't talk with them about their being on the road and endangering others.

I have seen this first hand with a friend of a friend and I worry every time he gets behind the wheel. He has had so many accidents in just over two years that I am wondering how long his car insurance is going to keep him covered?

Anyone have any suggestions on how to handle this with care? I don't want to hurt any feelings but this person could be killed or kill someone else and I am at a loss, as are other friends.

[redwitch]

That's a toughie. I think that no matter how you say it, he's going to be upset and angry. The US is too much of an automotive society for it not to be taken personally. Getting your license at 16 has almost become a rite of passage.

Since there are several of you who are concerned, maybe a loving "intervention" could be done by all of you, explaining how fearful you are that he would be injured and that you know he'd be heartsick if he injured another. You could all offer to take him wherever he wanted to go when he needed.

I do agree that it is a real danger when people who shouldn't be driving do anyway and maybe even more so in a golf cart community. The other day, I heard two newcomers talking. They were so happy to live here where they could drive a golf cart, especially since the gentleman was legally blind and now the wife wouldn't have to do all the driving! (????)

Good luck on convincing your friend he shouldn't drive.

[travelstiles]

When it came time for my dad to stop driving, he wouldn't hear of it. Because of numerous medical conditions, and medications, along with his age, we spoke with his doctor, whom he trusted implicitly.
The physician had dealt with this many times before, and had a talk with Dad. He informed him, after a routine exam, that he felt it was time Dad stop driving, and that he would feel personally and professionally responsible if anything happened. He never let on that we had spoken with him about this.
Dad listened to him, though reluctantly. Perhaps this would help in your situation.

[SteveFromNY]

I agree this is a tough one.
Some people should probably hang up their car keys, but age affects people so differently. Google "marathon martin 101" and read about Buster Martin, a Brit who is training for the Boston Marathon. I realize driving skills are much different than running skill, but I only mean to point out that age shouldn't be the only factor. I have folks in my family (I won't say who in case they see this!) who are relatively young who drive HORRIBLY! They should hang up their car keys too!! They are just plain bad drivers!! What to say to them?
I like the idea about the doctor helping. That's someone who might get enough respect to have an effect. But make sure the advice is being given to a person who listens to their doctor - not everyone does!

[Frangyomory]

Thanks to each of you who took the time to respond. Unfortunately, this person is angry a lot of the time and does not take advice kindly. I know his family, who don't live here, know what is going on but he listens to no one. We don't know his doctors at all. We do know his wife and even she is at a loss because he won't listen to her. Many of us have offered to take them wherever they need to go. If we go out to dinner, someone always takes them, especially if it is going to be an evening which goes past darkness.

I guess we will have to resolve this soon. Again thanks so much.