Here we go again!
An unfortunate accident recently involving an 86 year old driver has put senior drivers in the spotlight once again.
There is no need to go into details of this accident but it is the media frenzy around this story that should have seniors wary of an unnecessary rules review.
Yes, there are accidents everyday involving senior drivers, but there are many more involving people of all different age groups – all the time. There are probably quite a few AAA or ICBC research papers available on the subject – and there could be lots of good discussion on the topic – but let’s not go crazy attacking all older drivers.
It is hard enough now for seniors to maintain their mobility and independence, without making it any tougher. That’s why it was good to see local government politicians in B.C. drop the discussion around licensing scooters. At the recent convention in Vancouver, mayors and councillors had a good debate about the increasing amount of scooters on sidewalks, but voted against any increased rules and enforcement policies. Hopefully education and common courtesy put an end to this debate – and also wider sidewalks.
A recent study found that pedestrians over 70 are most vulnerable, which does make some sense. The study found that seniors, who are slower walkers and less agile, are most likely to suffer in these type of accidents – and it is harder for them to recover. Common sense stuff really.
Therefore it is important as the days get shorter and darker (along with the rain)that people slow down and be very careful when approaching crosswalks and school zones. Drivers and pedestrians should make eye contact to keep safe. Be careful out there!
Anyone notice the recent strange pattern of gas prices around the Willowbrook district? Daily prices are lower there than in Cloverdale or other parts of Surrey. So take advantage of it if you can. Some days the price at the pump is almost 10 cents cheaper during certain times period, so you have to start wondering why?
People say it is because Costco in Langley has now opened a gas bar and nearby stations are trying to compete. Makes sense, but it also demonstrates that it impossible to regulate the true price of gas – and we should not always be blaming gas taxes for the higher prices. Governments don’t change their percentages every hour as the gas companies do. And electronic reader boards have made that easier to do from inside the store.
Hockey season is now here – a full one – not like the one earlier this year.. Are we all Canucks? Not really.
Canuck fans and police forces should not have to worry about riots again next June. Don’t fret – the team will be competitive but not good enough to capture that elusive Stanley Cup.
Maybe I will be eating crow next spring – and I am sure many of you will let me know about it if I am wrong – but I don’t think the team has enough talent to win it all. Changing the coach is not going to make all that much difference.
Did you know that October 1 is National Seniors Day in Canada? It was established through federal legislation in November 2010. So if you missed celebrating this year go to www.seniors.gc.ca for all the details. You have lots of time now to prepare for next year.