Fed up in Florida

Wed., Oct. 27, 2004

Diane Verhoeven King Features Syndicate

Dear Diane: A few days ago, I was driving to work when another car ran a red light and T-boned the passenger-side of my car.

I just bought the car two months ago, and now it’s totaled. Thankfully, I wasn’t seriously injured. I got out of the car to confront the jerk who slammed into me. As I approached the big blue 25-year-old Buick, I realized the jerk was a tiny, 84-year-old woman whose head barely cleared the steering wheel. I’m surprised she could actually see where she was going — or even reach the pedals. It took her some time to realize she’d been in (and caused) an accident. I came to find out later that this wasn’t the first automotive mishap she’d been in.

Why are these people allowed to drive? I live in Florida, and not a week goes by where I don’t see a story on the news or in the paper about some old geezer smashing his or her car.

I think everyone over the age of 70 should be tested every year to see if they still have the physical ability to operate a vehicle. They are a danger to the public and to themselves.

Now, I’m without a car because some old coot couldn’t see above the dashboard — and she’s STILL ON THE ROAD. Diane, what am I going to do? — Fed Up in Florida

Dear Fed Up: First, take a deep breath. There. Calm now? Good.

Now, pick up the phone book and get yourself a lawyer and haul this woman into court. She destroyed your property, and you deserve restitution. Her age isn’t the issue. Her actions ARE. If you want to take it a step further, ask your lawyer about seeing what it will take to have her driver’s license suspended or revoked.

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