Should I Stop Driving?
YOU have been driving for decades. You enjoy the freedom and independence of having your own vehicle. But your family and friends are concerned and would like you to reconsider your decision to keep driving. You cannot understand why they are worried.
Are you facing a similar situation? If so, what can help you to determine whether you should keep driving?
In some countries, drivers over a certain age who want to renew their license must be examined or certified by a doctor. Christians living in these countries comply with the laws and with the decisions of those authorized by the State. (Rom. 13:1) But no matter where you live, there are ways to assess your ability to drive safely.
EVALUATE YOUR DRIVING
As suggested by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) website in the United States, you could start by asking yourself the following questions:
Do I have difficulty reading road signs or seeing at night?
Am I losing my flexibility, making it difficult for me to turn my head to check my mirrors and blind spots?
Do I find it challenging to react quickly, such as when moving my foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal?
Do I drive so slowly that I interfere with the flow of traffic?
Have I had a number of near misses, or does my vehicle have dents and scratches because of running into stationary objects?
Have I been pulled over by a police officer because of my driving?
Have I ever dozed off while driving?
Do I take any medications that could affect my driving?
Have my family members or friends expressed concerns about my driving?
If you answered yes to one or two of these questions, you may want to consider making some adjustments. For example, you might limit how much you drive, especially at night. Regularly reassess your driving. You could ask a family member or a friend to give you some feedback about your driving. You might also consider taking a safe-driving course. However, if you answered yes to several of the questions above, it may be in your best interests to stop driving.a
BE GUIDED BY BIBLE PRINCIPLES
We may not recognize that our driving skills are diminishing. And the subject of whether we should stop driving can be a sensitive matter. So, what Bible principles can help you see your situation objectively and make a wise decision? Consider two.
Remain modest. (Prov. 11:2) As we get older, our eyesight, hearing, muscles, and reflexes deteriorate. For example, most people stop playing certain sports as they age because they realize that as they get older, it is easier for them to get hurt. A similar principle applies to driving. At some point, a person may modestly decide to stop driving out of regard for his own safety. (Prov. 22:3) And if others were to express their concerns, a modest person would be receptive and listen.—Compare 2 Samuel 21:15-17.
Avoid bloodguilt. (Deut. 22:8) A car is a dangerous weapon when it is not operated safely. A person who keeps driving even though his skills have diminished could risk his own life and that of others. And if he were responsible for a fatal accident, he could incur bloodguilt.
If you are faced with the difficult decision of whether to stop driving, avoid thinking that you might lose your dignity or value as a person. Jehovah loves you for your beautiful qualities, including your modesty, humility, and concern for the welfare of others. And he promises to sustain you and comfort you. (Isa. 46:4) He will never abandon you. So ask him to help you use practical wisdom and spiritual discernment as you decide whether you should stop driving.
a For additional information, see the article “Automobile Accidents—Are You Safe?” in the August 22, 2002, issue of Awake!