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Grandma, 96, passes driving test, gets license
Comment: What do you think about seniors driving?
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Mary Fiala, 96, has just taken the Ohio driver's license exam.Should driving privileges be taken away from senior citizens when they reach a certain age?
It is a subject of concern in many families when that time comes when seniors appear to be a threat to themselves or others on the road and need to turn in their car keys.
Losing the ability to drive imposes a hardship on seniors who suddenly feel they are prisoners in their own home.
I can still remember the day when my mother gave up driving. She was 75 and it was her own decision, but she hated to say goodbye to her Dodge.
Mary Fiala, 96, lives at St. Leonard's retirement center in Centerville and is still driving.
"I was surprised when I checked my driver's license last May and realized that the license had expired," Mary said. "I had moved into my condo at St. Leonard's over a year ago and failed to update my account at the bureau of motor vehicles, and as a consequence I never got a notice to renew my license."
According to her son, Jack Fiala, "Mother drives to church, to the doctors, grocery store, yarn shop, and an occasional run to Arby's when they are running the 'five for five bucks' specials. She also visits my family, and her brother's family, so she really wanted to renew her license."
The only way she could get a license, since it had expired a year earlier, was to begin the process anew. She had to pass the written test, get a temporary permit and pass the driving test.
"At first the task seemed overwhelming, and I considered calling it quits," she said.
Her granddaughter, Kate Fiala, 16 and a sophomore at Centerville High School decided to work with her grandmother.
"Kate took driver's ed and she invited Mary to sign on with the same instructor," Fiala said.
Mary went on to pass her driving test the first time around and got a perfect score on her ability to maneuver.
Her son said: "The best thing is that if some busybody tells her she is too old to drive she can pull out her paperwork and show off her scores."
I wish good luck and safe driving to Mary Fiala and invite you to let me know how you feel about senior citizens behind the wheel.
Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.
Comments
By Randi Johnson
October 13, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
I think that senior citizens should be retested every 3 years once they hit 75. If they pass thats great. But many of them do not get retested. Time changes people, it will you and me. It isn’t fair to those who know the laws and what to do but yet get into an accident with an elderely person who has no clue what they’re doing. I believe every state should have strict laws regarding this topic.
By to each is own..
October 2, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
WELL, I KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS 103 YRS OLD AND HAS HIS DRIVER’S LICENCE. SO DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT THE OLD FOLKS, THEY MAY BE BETTER DRIVER’S INSTEAD OF THE ONE’S WHO ARE TEENAGERS WHO THINK THEY OWN THE ROAD…
By jkj
October 2, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Driving is not a right…it’s a priviledge. I believe that all senior citizens should be required to take an in-depth road test every 2 years after turning 65.
By Wordell
October 2, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
I suggest that Ohio copy the German Federal driving test procedures immediately. It will keep posters like “Blah” off the road due to being an absolute imbecil(because Blah has “RIGHTS!”,not priviledges,obvious Obama voter),so Blah will be out there illegally. Fewer drivers will be on the road after taking the test (due to failure), and those that pass will KNOW how to drive and what is expected as a driver. Age may make it more difficult to pass. Sorry. I failed, then passed. Tough test.
By Blah
October 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Just recently being in a car accident with someone who was in their 90s and in error that caused the accident; I believe that a law should go into effect that would protect the elderly and the other drivers. If the State of Ohio is going to issue drivers license to the elderly, my sugggestion is they should be tested within a simulator with actual driving stituations to test their reflexes and skills. The state statistics for elderly accidents should zero in on an age requirement.
By PROUD GRANDSON
October 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
I AM VERY PROUD OF MY GRANDMA, SHE IS 90, STILL HAS HER DRIVERS LICENSE AND A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT!!!! I PLAN ON DOING THE SAME!!!!!!!!
By Theresa
October 2, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
CONGRATS TO HER!!!! I FEEL IF YOU START TAKING THINGS AWAY THEY WILL GIVE UP ON LIFE. BUT, ALSO REMEMBER MAKE SURE YOU ARE ARE IN GOOD HEALTH, AND EYE EXAMS, AND ABLE TO TURN YOUR HEAD BOTH WAYS WILL MAKE IT SAFE TOO! ALOT OF THE OTHER DRIVERS DON’T EVEN STOP AT STOP SIGNS WHEN DRIVING OUT IN THE COUNTRY! AND ALSO ALOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW WHAT THE WORD “YIELD” MEANS ON THE INTERSTATE, THEY JUST COME ON THE ON RAMP AND THEY DON’T EVEN LOOK TO SEE WHAT IS COMING WHEN THEY COME ON OVER.
By Blah
October 2, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
They have a RIGHT to drive. We all know that PRIVILEGE stuff is a bunch of BS. If the state use OUR TAX MONEY, then we have a RIGHT to the roads. The state Supreme Court keeps upholding that unconstitutional law. It’s nothing but a farce.
By PJ
October 2, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I have no problem with senior citizens being able to drive even at 120. I do however, believe that at a certain age,maybe 65 or 70, they should have to start taking driving test every couple of years to make sure they are cable of of being on the road.
By By Gods Child
October 2, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
To all who is so negative on older people being off the road consider this: One day maybe you’ll grow old should your rights be taken away just because of age. Age is nothing but a number & an attitude thing. So to Grandma-continue to grow old gracefully & CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT!
By elkcleve
October 2, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Absolutely NOT. Anybody can take a test and pass. What about reacting to situations that arise as you drive? As you get older, so do your reactions. Senior citizens can’t see, can’t hear, can’t react like they used to, wear pacemakers, the list goes on. There are so many other avenues that they can use. In every community there is all kinds of community services to help the senior citizens. I know one day I will be a senior citizen, and I will let the driving to someone else and relax.
By April
October 2, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I think that when people turn a certain age they should be required to take a defensive driving class every ten years. It doesn’t take much to drive a car…it’s all the things that come at you while driving.
By Paul
October 2, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
I have to agree. If she can pass this test at her age there is no reason she shouldn’t have a license. I also agree that it should be law for people over a certain be tested frequently.
By Shir
October 2, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Awww… this is such a sweet article. But how about a reaction test? Someone 60-100 or older definatly know how to drive a car if they’ve been driving since they were legally able or younger. BUT do they know what to do if something goes wrong. Do they know how to react properly? There is no doubt the youngest and OLDEST have the most accidents. Face it the young ones are dumb the old ones are set in their ways.
By Barry
October 2, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Definition of optimism: taking a loan out to buy a new car when you are 95. years ago one of my great aunts bought a new car when she was 95. if you can still function and do things you ought to be allowed to do them. Cutting privileges off for people just because they are old is a form of discrimination. For the record I am not saying some 90 something Parkinson’s patient who is blind should be able to drive, but if they are still fit I would rather have slow blue hairs then young punks or people on cell phones on the road any day.
By marsha
October 2, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
can you say NO REACTION TIME LEFT at age 96!!
By Jim Smith
October 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
I think Mary Fiala started something. Once you reach a certain age, taking the driving test should be required! This makes sure that the individual is able to drive, and gives them a refresher on some of those driving rules everyone seems to become lax on. ( what to do at a 4 way stop, pass on the left side when on the freeway, ect.)
By Rebecca Newman
October 2, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
My feelings on senior citizens driving is as long as they are mentally able they should be aloud. My grandmother drove all the way until she passed she was 81 yrs old. She took drivers ed as a precaution when she turn 70 yrs old and passed it. My grandma was a safe driver to the point that when she was sick she would not drive she would call one of us to do it for her. When she went out of her little town to go to the mall or to see others she would have me drive. She only drove during the day.
By Rebecca Newman
October 2, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
My feelings on senior citizens driving is as long as they are mentally able they should be aloud. My grandmother drove all the way until she passed she was 81 yrs old. She took drivers ed as a precaution when she turn 70 yrs old and passed it. My grandma was a safe driver to the point that when she was sick she would not drive she would call one of us to do it for her. When she went out of her little town to go to the mall or to see others she would have me drive. She only drove during the day.
By Rebecca Newman
October 2, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
My feelings on senior citizens driving is as long as they are mentally able they should be aloud. My grandmother drove all the way until she passed she was 81 yrs old. She took drivers ed as a precaution when she turn 70 yrs old and passed it. My grandma was a safe driver to the point that when she was sick she would not drive she would call one of us to do it for her. When she went out of her little town to go to the mall or to see others she would have me drive. She only drove during the day.
By kay
October 2, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
I think that the older people are just as good as the others. the ones that need to be said something about are the ones that are talking on their cell phones and not paying attention.. these are the ones that cause all the accidents and they are never stopped. there should be a law against talking and driving… us old folks know how to drive….
By R J..Miamisburg
October 2, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I am on the Former WHIO Talk Host, Kent Voss band wagon. WHen they go to get renewal, the tester should bounce pingpong balls off the table to the person. IF they knock them away before getting hit, they get the renewal, IF they hit the person SORRY NO Get renewal
By Michelle Patton
October 2, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
I have rode with my elderly mother and I can tell you she has no business on the road…She can’t see and drives 25mph in a 40 mph speed limit…She is so cautious she can’t drive….I’ve told her to stop driving but she has to work to continue to live…God help us all for this senior is driving dangerously..
By jonbuoy186
October 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
You Folks are right when you say seniors should be tested.Since I am one of them,(Seventy-one years old) and live in Florida,I see a lot of elderly folks on the road.and since this a pretty isolated county these folks need to be able to provide their own transportation.The nearest Hospital is almost fifty miles away (Gainesville Fl.)So we need to be able to drive, albeit ever so slowly.Just watch out for me when I’m on my Harley next week on my way to Daytona to Octoberbike fest.VROOM, VROOM!
By the Strawboss
October 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Statistics show that Young people have a higher percentage of accidents per capita than Old people. They’re slow and that blinker never goes off, but young drivers are far more foolish. Although, there was that time that old man in a Caddy blew the doors off my Mustang on 75. It was like I was sitting still.
By Scared of old gray haired drivers
October 2, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I am scared to drive on the road with elderly. They can be on medicatioin that can cause them to black out or anything. And if you watch how they drive whooooooooo. I personally do not like to drive first two weeks of the month because that is when they get their checks.
By Charlie
October 2, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I don’t feel that a total cut off of driving privileges should be required at any age. We older folks need our driving privileges more so than many young folks. I am 72 years old and I feel that I’m a safer driver than most young drivers. I would suggest however that after age 70, DMV should require a medical certification and the person should be required to pass a road test. To cut off my driving privileges would be devastating.
By Ron
October 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
I think it is wonderful that she is able to do this….More power to her…and Congrat’s………..
By trentmccl
October 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
go get em grandma you are safer I bet that these crazy a*s teenagers lol!
By Rosalie from Kettering.
October 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Re-testing should be done on ALL the cellphone, speeders and DWI’s drivers before allowing them on the roads again to test their ability to concentrate while participating on the above. These aare the dangerous ones. Age is not a component here.
By Dave
October 2, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I agree that there should be periodic testing, but the age should be a lot lower. 40 would be good, but 25 would be better. I see too many younger drivers who are ALSO unsafe and should be re-tested.
By FloridaBuckeye
October 2, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Living in Florida, I see alot of older people driving. I feel as alot of people do, testing is the key! I am 56, and would have no problem being tested every so many years to be able to drive. If I am not a safe driver, I should be off the roads! Truthfully, from the age of 16, everyone should be tested, such as maybe every 4 years. Our streets would be alot safer!
By Jesse
October 2, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
There should be yearly driving tests once one turns 65. Drunk driving, texting, teenage driving are dangerous too, but so are a lot of the elderly drivers. Almost every week, as I read various papers, an elderly person has killed somone while driving. There needs to be tougher driving laws for the elderly, but there never will be because a large group of the lawmakers are elderly.
By R$osalie
October 2, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Way to go Grandma! I’m proud you took the steps to prove you are a safe driver. See you at St. Leonard’s at the 10:30 AM Mass. Love, Granny Ro
By Kerri
October 2, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
In Indiana, after a certain age (75, I believe) a driving test is required every year to renew the license, and they issue them one year at a time. It works out well. Of course, I had a great aunt who got a 4-year license… at age 94. She was sharper mentally and physically than many 34 year olds I know. And the first time she got behind the wheel and felt like she was “out of her league” she sold her car the next day.
By Chris
October 2, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Grandma!! 96 is just a number. We should be more concerned with the drunk drivers, cellphone uses, and young inexperience drivers that we encounter on our highways.
By Jim
October 2, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this
After going through this with my father i believe that they should be tested not only eyes but driving also every two years.Dad had terrible eye sight an ended up having a accident.So i ended up being the SOB as he put it that took away his car.He was 94 years old!
By Rabbit
October 2, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
the famous battle here. Old age versus the young. If there is going to be restrictions/age cutoff laws, it should be applied to ALL ages. I have seen seniors drive safely without any health problems holding them back. Then again I have seen young people drive like impatient idiots while talking on cell phones or text messaging. True, some seniors will drive below the speed limit too but that doesn’t give the young generation the right to speed either. Testing should be given to all ages yearly
By doc
October 2, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
She sure looks good to be 96. My first instinct is to say “NO”, but I think it depends on her motor skills, reflexes, hearing, eye sight etc. If she’s alert and has the above motor skills then I’m on her side. Overall I don’t think most 96 year olds should be on the road, but if her physical/mental condition matchs her looks then I say, ” Happy motoring Me. Fiala.”
By Deborah
October 2, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
I do not believe there should be an automatic cut off age for driving BUT I do believe that Ohio should establish a law that anyone who has been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s or a stroke that could affect driving MUST pass the written and driving test to renew their liscense. I believe California has a law that Dr’s are required to notify the bureau when they have made this diagnosis. If you haven’t been there - you have no idea the battle that this can cause in a family.
By Randy
October 2, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
New revenue for the government: START COMPLETE RETESTING AT LEAST EVERY 10 YEARS! Our highways would be much safer!
By freeman mabel
October 2, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
I believe that as long as they are healthy enough to drive and they can pass all requirements then whats the big deal?
By Jammin
October 2, 2008 6:07 AM | Link to this
Probably no more dangerous than folks texting and talking on cellphones while driving.
By crigus
October 2, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this
It is very scary thinking that we will lose our indepedence one day being grounded without wheels.
By James
October 2, 2008 5:47 AM | Link to this
Congrats! It’s good to see you’re in great health and are still abel to get around as you please. You took the same test as an 18 year old and passed with flying colors, kudos to you!
By drive
October 2, 2008 5:25 AM | Link to this
Aging is a degenerative process. Motor skills and cognitive skills decline. Although Ms. Fiala passed her driving and written tests, this only proves that she is competent enough to take the test. Driving around three corners at the driving exam does not mean that she will be able to handle heavy traffic and be a defensive driver. There should be a cut off age for driving for the overall safety of society.