Elderly Engines

Many years ago, as we drove north along a very busy main road towards our holiday destination, I saw a man on the side of the road. This elderly gentlemen began to cross the road. I foresaw disaster and immediately felt my stomach tighten. There was no pedestrian crossing, and no traffic lights to facilitate his safe passage. He began a faltering journey, stopped, hesitating a moment, before setting out once more.

He walked slowly as cars approached quickly; seemingly unaware of the danger at first. Suddenly struck by the urgency of the situation he attempted a dramatic acceleration which was nowhere near as fast as he assumed. The result?

Not a car versus pedestrian accident, thank God, but a fall nonetheless, and one which required cars stopping to avoid running him over. I was one of those cars which stopped, and I immediately jumped out, helped the man to his feet, and escorted him back to the safety of the footpath. He was okay.

I've seen this too many times, and I get so fearful for these elderly people who have clearly forgotten that they have no accelerator, that it makes me angry. I worry for them. Elderly engines do not have the power they once had, and the drivers of those engines are often time wearied and weakened minds.

Please, please, elderly people use designated crossings. Recognize your limitations, avoid danger, and live out your days in peace and relative good health.

Perhaps we should all recognize our limitations, don't you think?

Cartoon source:

http://www.medicalobserver.com.au