Is It Time to Give Up Driving?

We all age differently so, there is no way to set one age when everyone should stop driving. Trouble seeing, trouble hearing, slower reaction time and certain medications can all effect a person’s ability to drive safely.
​
As you age it may become harder to see people, and movement outside your direct line of sight. At night, you may have trouble seeing things clearly. Glare from oncoming headlights or street lights can be a problem. Eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, can also cause interfere with your ability to drive confidently. Aging may affect your hearing as well, making it harder to notice horns, sirens, or even noises coming from your own car. This can be a problem because these sounds warn you when you may need to pull over or get out of the way. Many medications have side effects that can make driving unsafe. Some may even come with warnings about driving while taking them. Pay attention to how these drugs may affect your driving and never drive if you feel drowsy or lightheaded.

Safe driving tips for seniors:

• If you are 65 or older, see your eye doctor every year.
• If you need glasses or contact lenses always wear them when you are driving.
• Cut back on or stop driving at night if you have trouble seeing in the dark.
• Have your hearing checked at least every 3 years after age 50.
• Try to keep the inside of the car as quiet as possible.
• Read medicine labels carefully. Look for any warnings.
• Leave more space between you and the car in front of you.
• Start braking early when you need to stop.
• Avoid heavy traffic areas or rush-hour driving when you can. 

Sometimes, it can be hard for an older person to realize that he or she is no longer a safe driver. If possible, try to observe the person’s driving in person. If it’s not possible to observe the older person driving, look for these signs:

• Multiple vehicle crashes
• New dents in the car
• Two or more traffic tickets or warnings within the last 2 years
• Increases in car insurance premiums because of driving issues
• Comments from neighbors or friends
• Anxiety about driving at night
• Health issues that might affect driving ability, including problems with vision, hearing, and/or movement

 
Talking with a senior about their driving.
For many people, driving represents independence, so giving up that freedom can be extremely difficult. Avoid a confrontation or an intervention with the entire family. You may want to be the one who has the conversation with your aging parent or elderly relative about their driving, however, consider that your loved one may be more open to listening to someone else. When choosing who will initiate the conversation with your older family member about his or her driving, consider the relationships and personalities involved. Try to keep the conversation one-on-one and pick a time of day when you believe your loved one will be most relaxed. Let your loved one know that your goal is to make sure they’re safe and that you wish for them to remain independent and will do all you can to help. Avoid saying they are a dangerous driver and starting out the conversation by demanding they need to stop driving. Focus on the facts available to you, such as their medical condition or your first-hand experience of their unsafe driving. If your aging relative wishes to remain independent, then an alternative means of transportation will be necessary.

• Transportation services, like Paratransit provide rides as needed for the disabled or the elderly
• Taxis, or ride-share services like Lyft and Uber
• Set up a grocery or food delivery service
• Work out a schedule to drive your senior family member yourself
• Hire a caretaker to assist with driving needs

Safe Driving Self Assessment Questions:

• Do other drivers often honk at me?
• Have I had multiple accidents, even minor ones?
• Do I get lost, even on roads I know?
• Do cars or people walking seem to appear out of nowhere?
• Do I get distracted while driving?
• Have family, friends, or my doctor said they’re worried about my driving?
• Am I driving less these days because I’m not as sure about my driving as I used to be?
• Do I have trouble staying in my lane?
• Do I have trouble moving my foot between the gas and the brake pedals?
• Do I sometimes confuse the gas pedal and brake pedal?
• Have I been pulled over by a police officer about my driving?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time to talk with your doctor about driving or have a driving assessment.