My mom is 80 and VERY frail with osteoporosis and several lung issues.
My husband and I have been living with her for a little over two years so she can stay in her home.
She refuses to ride in the back seat of the car. My husband is 72 and I’m basically the navigator when we take trips.
I tried to explain to my mom that’s it’s better for me to be up front and safer for her in the back (just like kids so they don’t get hit in the face with an airbag and such).
She is very adamant about not sitting in the back as a “respect” thing.
She wants me to take her on a 4 hour trip to the coast and I won’t do it if husband and I can’t be in the front together for such a drive into parts unknown.
I googled “are seniors safer in the back seat?” But I didn’t get any info that I could share with her to convince her.
When we do “in town” trips to the store and doc appts I or my husband always ride in the back seat.
Long trips are not the same.
Any advice?
My husband was in the automotive industry for 34 years and was adamant about our kids being much taller than required before they ever rode in the front seat. He inspected airbags after accidents and knows what he's talking about.
I can one up you, though. When my dear father was alive and did all the driving for my mother The Queen, she'd sit in the back seat, directly behind him. Her logic was if they were in a car crash, his body would shield hers and protect her from flying thru the windshield! True story. Nice, huh? 😣
Also I want to point out, your mother has been very disrespectful to you and your husband. Don't you see that?
Obviously kidding...
The airbags would do great damage to her. Much like they would a small child.
If she wants YOU to take HER on the trip put it to her bluntly. She sits in back or no trip. You are the driver it is your rules. And once you get her in the back seat for the trip she should remain there for in town trips as well. It does not matter if you are in town or on the highway if she gets smacked with airbags she will be severely injured if not killed. You might want to pay a visit to the local Rescue squad or the police department and see if they have any info on elderly people and front seat injuries.
For me...he is my husband and I want to sit next to my husband. Also, not too great on being in the back seat because of motion sickness. I don't get physically sick just feel icky.
So, she needs to respect that he is your husband and you sit in the front with him.
Get a satnav and then share the driving with your husband, is my only other idea. Nothing is going to make your mother content to give up her place.
Maybe they should buy a limo, then see who rides in back.
Or, get a limo with a paid driver, and sit in the back. Mom can then sit in front.
Getting into the backseat can be harder as the door does not open as wide. Once in the leg room may be smaller, harder for those with bad knees, backs or other mobility issues. Getting out can be an embarrassing tug of war scene.
From the backseat the windscreen view is obscured. This may increase anxiety for some. Especially if any vision impairment.
I have relatives with these sorts of issues + more. So driving them anywhere fell into the 'too hard' basket long ago.
Time to start holidaying as a couple, without the third wheel?