Another farmers market drive-through

Yes, another elderly driver has smashed his way through a street market -- this time, luckily, with no one seriously hurt. And once again, it seems as if the driver confused the gas pedal with the brake (despite the usual claim that the gas pedal got stuck). Why is it that one never seems to hear about younger drivers having this particular problem? Is there something about the way the mind ages that one eventually loses the ability to recognize --at least, with any rapidity -- that maybe the problem isn't with the car, but with how it's being driven?

It was sad to read about the driver out in Santa Monica, and how his friends and family thought his previous mishaps harmlessly comical. But losing one's ability to control a car is no laughing matter. I've been in the position of having to insist that a family member give up the car keys. It wasn't easy, and other family members objected that it wasn't my decision to make. I wonder what they think now.

Posted by David on July 25, 2003 7:03 PM