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- LETTERS, Page 8Seniors at the Wheel
-
- The piece "Can a Driver Be Too Old?" hit upon one of my pet
- peeves (NATION, Jan. 16). My grandmother nearly caused an
- accident with me in the car when she pulled out in front of
- someone, who had to slam on the brakes. I was struck by a
- motorist in his 70s whose glasses were so thick he could barely
- peer through them. He said he didn't see me. A politician friend
- of mine remarked that no one running for office would touch this
- issue because so many voters are elderly. Maybe the only
- solution is regular, mandatory exams for everyone.
-
- Virginia Lunghi Fairfield, Conn.
-
- Motorists of all ages need frequent examinations, and we
- oldsters would benefit the most from a fair testing. But to
- single us out as a group, and thereby suggest we are all unfit,
- is cruel and thoughtless. I'm sure you didn't intend to convey
- that message. The longer seniors can take care of themselves,
- the better it is for everyone.
-
- Marian Wilcox Clarkdale, Ariz.
-
- An 84-year-old Australian woman, when asked how she managed
- to stay accident-free in the heavy traffic she had to
- negotiate, replied, "I always drive during the early-morning
- rush hour, when everything is bumper to bumper and moves very
- slowly. That is the speed I like to go, and then I have no
- problems." She may have the right idea.
-
- Betty L. Hutchens Portland, Ore.
-