Dear Ann Landers: I was furious when I read about "Uncle Bob," the 86-year-old man who is fighting to hang on to his driver's privileges even though he has failed his driving test five times and his doctor has ordered him to stop driving.

Last year, I was struck by a car while crossing the street with a green "walk" signal. The driver was an 86-year-old woman in a 1984 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. She told the police she didn't see me until I landed on the hood of her car. Her driver's license? She didn't have one. - Oakland, Calif.

Santa Ana, Calif.: Two years ago, I was driving along, five months' pregnant, when out of nowhere, a car slammed into me. I was stunned and terrified. The driver of the other car was an elderly man. An ambulance arrived, and the elderly driver and I were told to get in, even though neither of us was hurt. Soon, it became obvious from his senseless babbling that he was in the latter stages of senility. Something must be done to get these very old drivers off the road.

Boca Raton: Two years before my father died at 85, he tried to drive while experiencing a heart attack. When we arrived at the hospital, I told him his driving days were over. Although I provided him with alternate transportation, he never forgave me. If an elderly parent insists on driving, hide the keys, disconnect the battery, remove the distributor cap or let the air out of the tires.

Chicago: My 86-year-old father should not be driving. He has had a heart attack and is stone deaf, and his vision is poor. He refuses to give up his car keys. Driving is his whole life. When my mother was on her deathbed, his main worry was that people who came to see her would block the driveway and he wouldn't be able to get out. What can we do? - Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Dear Between: You can bite the bullet, take away his car keys and arrange with family members or a livery service to take him wherever he wants to go. Expensive? Yes, but a lot cheaper than hospital bills or a wrongful death suit. Thanks to all who wrote for those excellent letters. You have helped save some lives today, and I am grateful.


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