Allen K

iTrader: (4)

If you unlock the door from the inside without the key fob, the worst that would happen is the alarm would go off...

Either way, this couple has proven that they are unable to safely operate their vehicle. I'd want them retested before they're back out on the road

TangoRed

I do admittedly lack compassion for seniors at times (definitely been trying to improve on that) but this is just a bit much.

I must admit, this does make me wonder for their own safety while operating a motor vehicle as well as everyone else on the road. The lack of critical thinking here could be dangerous.

tex2670

I'm sorry--they didn't have the key fob and were both inside the car at the same time. How exactly did the car become locked in the first place? Wouldn't they have to press the door lock button inside the car? This story has to be fake.

LexBob2

I don't know how things work in New Zealand, but in the U.S. a law suit would probably already be in the works.

I'm glad they are OK, but this story seems too weird.

mmarshall

Good post .......arguably the best one in the thread so far.

mmarshall

In the American legal system, there are guidelines defining frivolous suits, and judges do have have the authority to dismiss them, though it varies somewhat from state to state.

tex2670

Part of the reason I don't ever want to live to a ripe old age.

Seriously, if there's anyone that I would expect to manually check the door locks, it's an older person, as opposed to a younger person, who may not have ever actually had a car without power locks.

I get it--when you get up there in years, it may be hard to adjust to new technologies. But when you also lose all common sense by mysteriously locking yourself in your car without the key fob, and then not knowing how to undo it, you can't just throw up your hands and blame it on being "old". No one is being critical of these folks for being old and not up to speed on new technology. A few months ago, I parked next to a Toyota Corolla with index cards taped to the steering wheel and the driver's door panel that each said "LIGHTS". I get it--this person may have been forgetful and left their lights on a few times. Maybe this person was elderly--I'm not sure. But they aren't blaming this new fangled technology called an "on/off" switch, and making sure everyone is aware of it by running to the "press" to tell everyone to be aware of a potential inability of turning your lights off.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

bravo

LeX2K

If all they had to do was hit the unlock button, or manually move the button to get out and didn't do that because they assumed only the fob could unlock the doors..well. Then these people should never be behind the wheel again.

Child safety lock are only for the back doors on every car I've seen. Otherwise you could easily get locked in the car.

spwolf

well they DID try with crowbar

:-)

sick21

Right?? Lol really if you "NEEDED" out and were provided a crowbar, I couldn't foresee any issue not busting the window. I am just having a hard time buying how stupid some people really are..

Sulu

You -- and most of you -- are making assumptions based upon your above-average aptitude with new car tech. And it is NOT just with senior citizens.

The new car with keyless entry, "smart" keys and push-button start is a world away from the century-old technology that is still in most cars, the ignition switch with a key. It is quite a technological leap, not to mention a leap of faith, to go from the ignition key that we are all used to, to the magical push button.

My wife wanted to drive my new ES to see her mother and her sisters soon after we picked it up. I said no because I know that my wife is not that comfortable with technology. When finally she drove it, I had to carefully explain how to open the door, how to start and stop the ignition, etc. And when we were ready to drive off, she had a problem with the foot-operated parking brake, even though she had driven my old Camry, which also had a foot brake. She still does not know how to open the door, even if I am standing next to the car with the smart key in my pocket. She has not asked again to drive the car, even though she was the one pushing for us to get a Lexus.

There are people -- regardless of age (not just senior citizens) -- who have problems adapting quickly to technologies that they have not seen before. They are no more moronic than those of us here who are comfortable with new car technology. By calling them morons is insulting a large group of people.

It is because of people like these that these new technologies have improved since they first came out, and have become more "idiot"-proof. So we should thank them, not insult them.

SW17LS

I spend a LOT of time around people this age group and over. This is way over the top. Theres not being familiar with different technologies and then theres not having any common sense. My Mom will be 68 next month. She would never be locked in a car. She can operate a telephone, a computer, an iPhone, an iPad. She's taken the time to familiarize herself with new technologies to stay current.

Nextourer

So... Mazda didn't bother equipping the front doors with auto-unlocks that are becoming more and more common - You know, the ones where if you pull the front door release, even if the door is locked, the door will unlock and open (except for MINI and potentially a few other manufacturers where it's a two-step process --> pull once to unlock, pull again to open).

This article presents two glaring issues with vehicle ownership today

1. The sales rep usually don't bother how to go over the car's details, as long as the owner knows how to drive away (although mine was fantastic and he showed me the car and gave me a tour of the dealership service area at delivery time)

2. People don't RTFM. I don't care of you're 20 or 60 years old. Read it at least once. This society of instant gratification (I want to be able to use this device immediately with no learning curve. If I can't use it correctly the first time, it has a defect) has gotten us lazy, and sometimes, careless.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

yeah i'm guessing they left the fob outside the car, somehow locked it and figured they couldn't get out without the fob.

this darwin-award candidate couple is not indicative of senior citizes in general, whom i'm aroud often, being in central florida.

i've helped a 90 yr old woman switch from a PC to an iPad (to avoid getting virues and to be able to move around), and i know tons of people in 70s and 80s comfortable with iphones, samsungs, and all kinds of tech.

the couple in this article is apparently just stupid. hey it happens. so you don't need to hope we all die young, kthxbye.