By Andy Byrnes Santa Monica
I was appalled at Mr. Stefan Treff’s letter purporting that all 80-plus (years of age) drivers are just like the somewhat notorious, Mr. Weller, who attempted to drive through the Farmers’ Market on Arizona Avenue, killing 10 people. Obviously, Mr. Weller is a sick man.
I am an 83-year-old WWII veteran and I have been a driver practically every day for the last 67 years, and have drove every day since moving to Santa Monica about three years ago. I have not had an accident in 20 years.
Santa Monica is a rather hazardous place to drive because of the 17-to 50-year-old drivers that are zipping in and out of lanes, running red lights, cursing everyone else and trying to save 15 seconds or so. It’s a madhouse.
Several weeks ago, I was driving down Pico Boulevard at about 30 m.p.h. and as I was approaching Third Street a pedestrian at the crosswalk, while looking directly at me, stepped into the crosswalk, causing me to brake and slow down suddenly to keep from hitting him. I didn’t have to stop, and as I was taking my foot off the brake pedal, I was rear-ended by a 30-something gent in a BMW RX SUV. Fortunately, it had a police car-type front bumper which minimized the damage to my car. He was then rear-ended by a 20-something driver.
I mention this just to point out that it is the folks who should be the most expert drivers, who along with the aggressive pedestrians who like to see drivers slam on their brakes at crosswalks, create a lot of the problems by their aggressive rush-home attitude.
I have come to realize that old age is not for sissies, and it is a tough enough life without folks like Mr. Treff pontificating on outrageous generalizations such as when people reach 80 they all are like Mr. Weller and shouldn’t be allowed to drive.
I wonder what his driving record is like?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 3, 2006. Read the original PDF.