Dear Abby: My 82-year-old dad wants to drive 2,000 miles alone -- am I watching a disaster unfold?

The Dear Abby column centers on an 82-year-old father planning to drive about 2,000 miles alone to visit his sister across the country. The daughter says he lives unassisted and is generally in good health, but she fears he is underestimating fatigue from long driving days and the extra energy needed to navigate unfamiliar areas. She worries he could get into an accident or become lost, and she’s concerned he may leave without telling anyone. After offering to pay for a plane ticket, he rejects airport navigation and also dislikes the idea of using an unfamiliar rental car. Dear Abby advises her to help plan and map the trip, arrange hotels or motels, and obtain a promise to call each evening to confirm he’s okay.