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On 17 Feb 2001, at 10:56, sylvia berger wrote:
>
> Murray,  Just want to thank you for researching and sharing all your
> sites, especially your timely [for me] postings on driving. We will be
> dicussing this topic at the March meeting of our support group and the
> information will be most useful. Thanks . Be well, Sylvia

Hi Sylvia,
Surprisingly, this subject has generated a number of private e-mails and
a few public responses.  (Often I wonder if anyone reads some posts)

I have some pretty intense feelings and opinions on driving while
"impaired" and, whether any one else cares to admit it, we are all
somewhat "impaired" when it comes to driving and Parkinson's.

Once a Parkinsonian is immobilized ie: wheelchair bound or using a
walker, there is little question that their ability to drive is not the same as
it once was ie: "normal".

The trouble is the gray area between being disgustingly healthy and
some years later being virtually disabled.  At some point even the most
macho red-necked male has to look in the mirror and accept the change.

At some point one has to admit that their driving skills need to be
evaluated and then responsibly adopt to that evaluation.

I have not stopped driving.  I have stopped driving long distances.
At one point in my life, I drove over 50,000 miles in one year, in all
manner of weather conditions and on roads you cannot imagine.

Ah, that redneck!

Now I drive less than 5,000 km. (3,000 miles) in a year.

How can it be done?  We moved and I can walk to work if necessary.
The bus stops 50 feet from our door.  The taxi co. is blocks away.

I let others drive as much as possible.  When the time comes to stop
altogether I will be ready to accept that.  I'm working towards it.

I think it so important to recognize our limitations and manage our lives
within those limits while maintaining a positive attitude and an optimum
quality of life.

The very last thing we need is to endanger ourselves, our loved ones,
the other drivers, the pedestrians, etc. and burden our conscience with
something we can never undo.

I don't mean to lecture, but I do wish everyone an accident-free future.

Best regards ........... murray

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