Is Mom Safe To Drive?

I am sure you all have asked, or will ask yourself this same question. Today I watched mom drive out of the driveway and head off to her hair appointment. As I watched her back out of the garage, I noticed that she never once turned to look behind her. Yes, she used the mirrors, but not one head turn?

Does this seem safe?

This seems trivial to write, but I suddenly had a bolt of terror, as I watched her back up, turn the truck around, and drive out of the safety of our driveway. My heart actually lurched. She had a total of 5 miles to go, including three turns-one across traffic, and I could envision the entire trip in my  mind. What if she misjudged the oncoming traffic for that final turn? What if she got smacked by our famous Nebraska wind, as she passed the windbreak of trees on the highway? It is a powerful gust, and you have to anticipate it’s punch and be ready for it.

When, dear reader, WHEN is it time for your parent to give up their driving privileges? How on earth do you know, when their decline is gradual. She can’t remember names and words more often now, in conversations. Is this something I should be alert for? She certainly knows that she can’t remember the words. It makes her really angry. We laugh it off, since I have so many words jammed into my head, that I often struggle with calling a child by his correct name, when distracted.

Someone point me to a chart or a checklist of things to look for. I do not want her to not drive, she does it so rarely. Just the same, I watch out for her here at the house, it seems almost irresponsible to not consider the driving factor.

Thoughts?