Too young to Drive? Too Old to Drive?

My grandson turned 16 in February. The age of 16 is a milestone. You are old enough to drive a car and the allusive legal drinking age is right around the corner. Oh, did I mention voting and serving your country? Yes, it is a wonderful time (outside of the fact that if makes a grandmother feel old). My grandson passed his driver's license exam, not with flying colors, but he passed it nonetheless. This gives him legal driving privileges. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not arguing with this. He is a good kid. He is a responsible kid. He is a smart kid and he has good reflexes. Just a few months after receiving his license, my grandson was in an unfortunate accident and totaled his car.  Everyone involved is fine. Accidents happen. Why did this particular one take place? His ankle itched. After scratching his ankle his foot hit the accelerator rather than than the brake. Unfortunate, but thankfully, no one was hurt in the making of this film.

My father celebrated his 88th birthday in June. Dad still lives independently (with a little help), enjoys watching the Twins and the Vikings take their respective beatings and enjoys an occasional Jack Daniels and water. Let's make that clear. We are talking a lot of Jack and a little water (not that there is anything wrong with that). Dad has also had at least two hip surgeries, knee surgeries, has broken his neck in the past and can barely raise himself out of a chair independently. He is a wonderful man and I love him dearly. He has so many stories to tell, and he does, over and over again. Well, Dad was a professional truck driver for decades. They called him "Pappy"' "Father Flannigan", and "Mayor". He was a legend on the road. He still thinks he can drive. Now to be fair, I haven't heard one doctor proclaim him unfit, but I have been in the passenger seat. I have held my breath running stop signs. I have screamed "STOP" to prevent running down innocent pedestrians in a crosswalk. But most of all, I choose walking rather than riding shotgun with him.

Now, you may be asking, what is the purpose of this fascinating post. To answer truthfully, I am not sure. Dad's driving has become a bit of an issue. He believes he still could and should, while we (his children) question the wiseness of this. I don't want to be the person to tell my father he can't drive any more. Besides, do I have that right? I am no voice of authority. He certainly has the experience that my grandson doesn't. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the quickness of mind and the reflexes that my grandson does.

I'm just sayin'......