Dear Abby: Should I start driving again?
DEAR ABBY: Three years ago, with the support of my wife, I voluntarily gave up driving. I have some minor memory problems and depth perception issues. I leave the house only when I walk the dog or my wife drives me somewhere. Being practically housebound has caused my mental health to deteriorate.
I would like to revisit this driving privileges issue with my wife. I will propose that I enroll in a remedial driving school to relearn my skills. My wife is dead set against it. I’m not sure she would be amenable to driving remediation. What do you think? — MISSES MOBILITY IN OHIO
DEAR MISSES MOBILITY: I can understand your wife’s reluctance to allow you to resume driving. Driving lessons may not be enough to compensate for your vision problem, and if there is a danger of your becoming lost (again) and winding up God knows where, you should not be behind the wheel.
This, however, DOESN’T mean you must remain imprisoned in the house. Explore what public transportation is available in your city. If it is not convenient, consider using a driving service — Uber and Lyft come to mind — to take you where you want to go. They are as simple to use as installing their apps and typing in your desired destination. Check them out. Many people of every age use and enjoy them.
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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.