Have you heard it said, “Why do those old people drive so slowly?” Well, speaking as an old person, my response is, “Most of us drive the speed limit! And it is not just old people; it is those who care about the safety of others and, hence, want to abide by the law”.
Drivers abide by the law for good reasons. They do not want to: harm others, chance a traffic ticket that might increase their insurance rates or lose their driver’s license. Last, they understand that what they do affects others. The more an insurance company pays out in damages, the higher everyone’s insurance rates. So, they abide by the traffic laws which are intended to ensure safe travel for everyone.
Yes, there are a few who drive slower than the speed limit, but remember we will all be old one day if we are fortunate. The kind thing to do is to be patient and not be a bully by tailgating or honking the horn. It only frustrates them. Drivers need to think about what driving means to them and then think about what it means to us old people.
Let me share a story as it was told to me 25 years ago. It pricks my conscience each time I think about going through a yellow light or ignoring the speed limit! What each of us does can dramatically affect the life of others who are without fault. A number of years ago, a widow drove an old small car. It got her to and from the store and to visit her fast-dwindling close friends. She could live independently, and she was happy. Her car was hit by a young driver. Some would respond with, “So what! Her insurance will take care of her!” WRONG! The insurance company gave her the Blue Book value of $150 for her car. She was living on Social Security and could not afford to buy another car. This left her isolated in her home. A neighbor was very helpful, but SHE NO LONGER HAD ANY FREEDOM. Her life was dramatically changed, and understandably, she was lonely and unhappy. And the accident was not her fault!
There are those who try to increase one’s speed by traveling about 10 feet behind the slower car. This is called tailgating which is dangerous! Who are these people? Are they aggressive and intimidating drivers? It gives one reason to contemplate our role in society! Do we care if granny has to stop abruptly, she is rearended and she cannot afford a new car? Do we care if anyone is injured? Last, do we care about the freedom of the elderly to shop or visit a friend?
Traveling at 40 mph, the speed limit on Iron Mountain Boulevard, I have had to brake for adult and baby deer as well as a huge buck in the road. It required me to brake suddenly. What would have happened if a vehicle was 10 feet behind me?
As a guideline, the rear driver should allow one car length between their car and the front car for every 10 mph of speed, or a greater distance if weather conditions are not optimal. The tailgater is at fault under Oregon law! An accident may affect their insurance rate and may limit the number of available insurers. And they may rob another of their independence if an accident occurs. What’s the solution?
They say that the lower the speed, the less the damage! So this old person slowly slows down and pulls the car to the right thus allowing the tailgater to pass. How many times are you waiting at the same traffic signal as they are?
To signal one’s fear and displeasure, it is tempting for the slower driver to put on their brakes and quickly return to their former speed. This is not advised as you, the front driver, may have caused the accident. It is viewed as aggressive and contributor behavior. So do not do it! You could find yourself liable.
What is the hurry? Does this all boil down to having: respect for the law and everyone using the road; a social conscience; thoughtfulness of others and their safety; and, manners? It is my opinion that one’s driving reflects who they are and, frankly, their intelligence! What do you think?
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