When I turned 18, I bought my first car: a 1960 Chevy station wagon for $75. All my friends were waiting in my apartment for me to pull up in front. My apartment had a big glass window that overlooked the street, so they could see me coming.
I spied a bunch of smiling faces when my car turned the corner, but pretended I didn't see them. I gently eased the car into a parking space in front of my apartment. Then, to show off my new-found sophistication, I decided to back up a little and straighten out the car. I casually threw my arm over the back seat, shifted into reverse, turned my head to look over my shoulder -- just like I had seen people do in the movies -- stepped on the gas and plowed right into the car in front of me. Guess I didn't have it in reverse after all.
Hopefully, my driving has improved since then. But, I'm not getting any younger, dognabit. A couple days ago, I read an article in the Sacramento Bee about a man in his 80s who was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in his wife's death. The reporter mentioned a senior driving tip from the Department of Motor Vehicles: don't make any left-hand turns. He explained that senior drivers should turn right three times (go around the block) instead of turning left because it's those left-hand turns that cause accidents.
I don't know about you, but I have always had a hard time rubbing my belly in circles and patting my head with my other hand. I imagine that this could be related to figuring out that oncoming traffic won't wait for you if you're turning left.
It made me think about the time my mother rented a car for me because I didn't have a credit card. The rental company insisted she drive the car off the lot. My mother was a fairly good driver, and must have been around 40 at the time. She drove to the stoplight to make a left-hand turn. Soon as the light turned green, she stepped on the gas, totally oblivious to the fact that oncoming traffic was headed straight for us. I screeched and fell to the floor. My mom slammed on the brakes.
She wasn't pleased that I was laughing my fool head off afterwards as she handed me the keys. By the time my mom reached her 60s, she quit driving. I wonder how many other drivers have problems making left-hand turns? Is that why there are wide streets and very few stop signs in Active Adult communities?
I went to the Department of Motor Vehicle's web site to see if I could find that senior driving tip. It was loaded with spiffy tips such as put a pillow under you if you can't see over the steering wheel, make sure your foot can depress the brake, and practice looking around you at all times. I hope nobody does all those three things at once. I couldn't find that "three right-turns equal one left turn" tip. But it makes sense. Until I drew it on a piece of paper. You'd end up one block away with three right turns, and if you made four right turns, you'd end up where you started. I suspect a driver would need to drive a block beyond one's destination and ultimately make five right turns. What do you think?
Photo: Big Stock Photo
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