Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Redwood City - age 99 and still driving


He doesn't look a day over 85
Palo Alto Daily News/Peninsula/Bonnie Eslinger, 7/17/12.  "99 year old Redwood City man isn't ready to hang up his keys."
 
"Redwood City resident Milton Cavalli loves cars and considers himself a pretty good driver -- after all, he's been doing it for 90 years now.

Older than his 1919 classic car
Today, 16 percent of licensed drivers in the United States are 65 or older, according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials; that percentage is expected to increase to 20 percent by 2025. In 2010, drivers 65 and older were involved in 17 percent of all traffic fatalities, although they only accounted for 8 percent of all miles driven, according to the association.
When drivers turn 70 they are asked to visit their local DMV office and take a written driver's test, a vision exam and, frequently, a road driving test, said Jessica Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the state agency. Those who pass can continue to drive without restrictions. The only reason they'd be brought back for another test is if they got into a serious accident or the DMV is contacted by a doctor, law enforcement officer, family member or other concerned individual about their driving, she said. Such reports can be done anonymously, she added.

In January, Cavalli will be 100 years old. He said he's looking forward to renewing his license for another five years." Read Article.

Note: Photographs above are embedded in the article.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

the other day I was exiting from parking lot that had 2 lanes going in the same direction; the left-hand lane was for the ramps circling down and the right-hand lane going up. An aged driver in the right hand lane couldn't make the association of lanes to ramps and would would turn left into the down ramp the entire circuit from the roof level. Cars were zipping down so I made it my task to get into that lane and block traffic at each ramp so the old gut could blithely turn without getting himself killed. This future collision on wheels apparently never used his mirrors to see what was happening just off his left rear fender. I'm sure for every feel good story of an old driver there must be a hundred tragedies.

Anonymous said...

The very old and the very young probably account for more than their share of accidents. Add in the drunks and druggies and it's dangerous out there.

Kathy Meeh said...

Anon 1053, I agree that some older drivers may be slow, timid or confused. That increases the potential for accidents. And I'm no more interested in driving behind or in front of this 99 year old than you are.

But other drivers also present hazards. Examples, younger, inexperienced drivers, or reckless drivers. Those not familiar with the area, or time of day driving pattern. Those who may not understand traffic rules. Those preoccupied or distracted, such as with cell phones, business, children, or daydreaming. Those with medical or drug problems, immediate or chronic. Those who are not patient, pushing a timeline, or affected by road rage. Some drivers of Motorcycles or bicycles. An insurance scammer who may cause an accident. Any unavoidable accidents which occurs when others or obstacles are aiming at you. One moment of bad judgement, or equipment failure etc.

The good news is eventually cars may drive themselves to a destination. Meantime we're all in it together. Thanks for saving that old guy's life and your own. Think I've met that same guy driving on the road prior. And ramps require making a clear choice, so that's one of those locations which may cause confusion.

Anonymous said...

I agree Kathy, many younger drivers are very dangerous. At least you don't see 90 year olds texting and talking.

My mother in law is 90 and she has no problem driving around Pacifica. It keeps them going at that age.

Maybe give them a test every 10 years after 75?

Anonymous said...

At that age skills can go down hill fast but sometimes the changes are very subtle. Test actual driving skills or at the very least hearing, eyesight, reflexes every other year after age 70.