It's a tragic situation in every sense. I'm sure there was no malice in the old man's actions. He mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal. It happens to a lot of people. Okay, well maybe it doesn't happen to a lot of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80-year-old drivers, but it happens to a lot of 86-year-old drivers.""
I don't disagree that this is very tragic for all concerned.
However, I don't think there is reason to make a blanket charge about the abilities of 86 y/o persons. I know a couple who are 82 and 86. They both still ride 50 mile horse events together. She tried a tough 100 miler, The Tevis Cup, summer 06, and was peeved when they pulled her horse at the 93 miles vet station.
I do think there should be more emphasis on families to watch the ability of their parents and other family members have become.
Just being old should not be an indictment against you. Where I live there are lots of old people living alone. I'm not 86 yet, but I am not 35 either, and I live alone. So far I am doing ok, and a group of about 5 of us keep watch on the rest in the group.
Agreed. There was a bit of sarcasm in my original post. I played golf about a month ago with an 80-year-old man who holed his tee-shot from 160 yards. Some people age better than others.