Having "the talk" with your senior driver...

It has been a while since I posted to this blog. Most of my attention lately has been with my photoblog. I did come across this interesting article about when to have the "talk" with your parents and when they should stop driving.

Some of the things to watch out for include:

• Unexplained dents and scrapes
• Poor judgment
• Getting lost or confused
• Feeling uncomfortable or anxious while driving
• Delayed responses
• Difficulty staying in own lane
• Close calls or near misses
• Poor attention to signals, signs, and pavement markings

Related websites in the article:

• American Occupational Therapy Association: http://aota.org/older-driver/consumer.aspx
• Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists: http://www.driver-ed.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
• California DMV Senior Ombudsman Program: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/senior/senior_ombudsman.htm
• Eldercare Locator:  http://eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
• AAA's senior driving site: http://seniordriving.aaa.com/

5 Key Talking Points:

• Have an ongoing conversations, not The Talk
• Sharpen skills and seek solutions
• Recruit support
• Plan for driving retirement
• Take your time selling the car

For the on-line article and more details: http://www.calif.aaa.com/westways/2012/09/Pages/retiring-the-keys.aspx

Westways - Common Breakdown Causes

In the recent Westways Magazine, it described how the fuel pump was a common cause of car breakdowns. 

Here they are:

• Fuel pump. Keep tank at least 1/4 full and change the filter.
• Batteries.  Test them once or twice a year after the third year it was installed.
• Radiators and transmissions.  Use the correct fluid types.
• Hoses and belts.  Be sure to have them visually inspected.
• Tire inflation pressures.  Be sure to check them at least monthly.  The recommended pressures are typically found by the driver's side seat

For more details go to this link: http://news.aaa-calif.com/pr/aaa/auto-club-research-top-needed-230955.aspx

AAA Members-Only Night at Magic Mountain

In case anyone missed this announcement in the last Westways magazine. Members get admission on May 18, 2012 to Six Flags Magic Mountain in southern California for $27 and for $10 more you get access to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Parking is also complimentary.

For more details go to the following website:  http://www.calif.aaa.com/en-ca/find-discounts/Pages/six-flags-member-night.aspx?