Dear Abby: My wife is afraid to take a road trip if our friend gets behind the wheel

A retired couple recently reached out to Dear Abby regarding a high-stakes dilemma: how to handle a road trip with friends when one member of the group is a notoriously dangerous driver. While the four friends share a zest for life and travel, the husband’s aggressive habits—which include speeding, tailgating, and multitasking on his phone—have turned past journeys into white-knuckle experiences.

The Road Trip Dilemma

The writer notes that his friend, usually easy-going, transforms into a different person behind the wheel, treating the navigation system's ETA like a competition. With the couple planning a long-distance excursion using their own vehicle, the prospect of the friend driving is causing significant friction. Abby’s advice? Keep the peace by changing the travel arrangements. Since the friend is unlikely to take criticism of his driving well, Abby suggests canceling the current plan and opting for a different mode of transportation if they wish to remain close friends.

Navigating Mobility Issues

In a separate inquiry, a reader shared their frustration after voluntarily giving up driving three years ago due to memory and depth perception challenges. Feeling housebound and dealing with declining mental health, the reader proposed enrolling in a remedial driving course to regain their independence. However, the reader's spouse remains firm in her opposition to them getting back on the road.

Abby validated the wife's caution, noting that lessons likely won't resolve core vision and safety issues. Instead, she encouraged the reader to look toward modern alternatives. By utilizing public transit or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, the reader can reclaim their freedom and get out of the house without risking their safety or the safety of others on the road.

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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.