The ability to drive is a symbol of independence that often declines with age.
Steve Fritz (left), lead driver for East Lansing's DriverOnCall service picks up client Beatrice Linder (right)
For most, the idea of actually having to stop driving seems far away.
If it happens to you, do you know what to do?
"I think every senior at some point in their life is going to have to stop driving, " says Beatrice Linder, a senior citizen who lives in East Lansing.
Linder is 91- years old and for her, the time to stop driving is here.
Even though she may not drive anymore, she loves to stay active.
"I like do things such as go to the movies and the Wharton Center," she said.
Linder says she values her freedom, and thanks to a DriverOnCall, a ride service that chauffeurs seniors, she can.
" It gives me 100 percent independence so that I am not waiting for someone to come pick me up, " she adds.
Steve Fritz, lead driver for the East Lansing DriverOnCall, says you don't have to worry that someone is coming in a vehicle that you aren't comfortable in because you have the option to use your own car.
This is very convenient for Linder.
She says she gives DriveOnCall the days and times that she needs a driver, and they put it on their schedule.
And for Fritz, he just enjoys making Linder's life a little easier.
"It's a good feeling," he said. "The best part of my job is Ms. Linder.... a star pupil."
And for Linder, it gives her the chance to get out and meet new people.
"It's like driving my own car, except I am not doing the steering," Linder adds.
The DriverOnCall service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and if you don't have a car, there's an option to have a driver pick you up in a company vehicle.
For more information, visit www.driveroncall.net or
call 1- (888)-713-7483.
