On the road again (the Covid-19 version)

Now that most parts of the country have reduced the sheltering in place restrictions, I’d like to bring up an issue that may not have been on everybody’s front burner for a while — Driving. I’ve noticed on my local highways recently that some standard driving abilities may have to be reintroduced into our system for my fellow roadmates. 

From signaling when changing lanes all the way to the driver who cut us off on the highway and then came to a full stop in front of us (that may be another issue all together, but I digress).  As a driver for, let us say, many decades there are learned reflexes that come with being behind the wheel on a regular basis. And I think some of these things need to be re-learned by many of us getting behind the wheel again after a few months of sheltering in place. 

I am most concerned about the drivers in your family about whom you have already been concerned.  This temporary respite from driving has probably made their ability to resume more perilous than ever.   SO, a few hints and tips for anyone who is dusting off the old rambler to take it for a holiday spin.

  • If your vehicle needed an oil change or services before you stopped driving– get it done now  
  • Have a conversation with all drivers in your family about being more aware then ever when taking to the road

If you are concerned about your loved one’s driving abilities:

  • Have your loved one drive you for a short trip before letting them resume full-time driving.
  • You may want to review the information at AARP’s Car-Fit program.
  • If you are still concerned and think they should not be on the road, find out what the laws are in your state about taking away the keys and how to exercise them.
  • Enlist your loved one’s doctor and/or the local police department. This news is always better coming from the professionals.
  • Give them a set of non-working car keys and always offer to drive.
  • Create a plan for them to get around after they relinquish the keys, so they don’t feel isolated.  A car service or family chauffeuring schedule is a whole lot less expensive than the costs of an accident caused by your loved one.
  • Once agreement is made about driving, put a large note in the windshield reminding your loved one that they agreed not to drive.
  • Remember that most families have known that their loved one should not be driving for at least six months before acting and their loved ones have known they should not be driving for at least a year.

Happy (and safe) motoring this holiday weekend.

Please share your driving issues stories in the comments box below