INTERVIEW WITH GRANDFATHER

Questions

1. Do you still drive?

Yes I do.

2. When did you start driving?

As soon as I could, back in my day I was driving motorbikes, tractors at the age of 13 and then I got my license as soon as I could. We lived on a farm so driving was just part of my everyday life from a very young age.

3. Why is driving important to you?

Driving has always been something really important to me, not only because it gets me where I want to go but I was diagnosed with Polio when I was 21 years old and since then I haven't ever been able to walk properly again. Driving enables me to get to the places I need to go. Since Polio my muscles and joints have deteriorated so I do a lot of swimming to keep me healthy and fit as possible. I swim every day and if I didn't have a car to get me to that pool I would not be happy!!!

4. How would you feel if you could no longer drive?

I don't know what I would do if I couldn't drive. I would feel very helpless. Driving is the one thing I can do that I don't need help with. I have had to ask for help my entire life and as I am getting older my body just cannot do the things it used to.

5. Would you consider different transportation services when you do have to stop driving?

Yes I would if I had to, but then it almost seems as though I would have to plan my days out according to bus schedules and taxi services.

6. Are you noticing any warning signs that your driving is being affected?

No I have done the driving test and passed. My reactions are still pretty good however I do have to wear my glasses when I drive as my vision has deteriorated. I also experience the occasional stiff shoulder and neck muscles when turning my head to reverse etc. 

7. When do you think you will stop driving?

I would stop driving if I was a danger to myself or to somebody else. 

8. Any last thoughts? 

It wouldn't be the same if I couldn't drive. It would feel as though my life would be over.

I cannot sit around in the house all day waiting for time. 

To me that would be sitting around waiting to die and I don't want to do that. 

Me and my Granddad John