By Kenneth Dathert Los Angeles
I am writing this as a 50-year-old male who has been a California driver for many years. It is written because of deep concern about the “feeding frenzy” in the media concerning the grievous occurrence in the Santa Monica market in July 2003. The driver, George Weller, should not have been driving. The survivors and the families of the deceased should receive heartfelt sympathy and consideration.
But the tragedy has triggered a wave of criticism and hostility toward all senior-age drivers. However, because of their maturity and experience, they are mostly responsible, courteous and careful drivers. The ranks of seniors have provided us with authors, playwrights, teachers and Nobel prize winners, as well as splendid volunteers for various causes requiring volunteer drivers.
To tar all seniors with the brush of incapacity is unfair. I’ve even heard that some driving examiners at DMVs are hostile to senior candidates and inconsiderate of their performances.
My driving experience has led me to be endangered by the driving habits of some 20-to 50-year-olds, who pass on the wrong side, speed past pedestrian zones and stop signs. We learn every day about the grievous results of their recklessness. If damage to life and property by those age groups were tabulated, the statistics would be more shocking than the one-time occurrence at the market.
I would like to suggest a temperate, fairer consideration of senior drivers.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 24, 2006. Read the original PDF.