07/04/2021
Red flags for when seniors should stop driving
Age has some – but not all – to do with driving ability. There’s no recommended age cut-off for when seniors should stop driving. However, it’s key to look for red flags that may indicate a decline in driving safety. Here’s a list of factors to keep in mind.
Current driving behavior
If your loved one is showing any of these erratic behaviors, it may be time to stop driving.
Close calls (near accidents)
Recent driving tickets
Nicks and dents in car
Driving too fast/too slowly
Hitting curbs
Swerving or drifting into lanes
Stressed by traffic
Delayed response to signage
Passengers are hesitant to get in the car
Low confidence in general
Physical vulnerabilities
You should also consider any physical obstacles to driving, such as:
Currently taking medications
Poor eyesight (and/or poor depth perception)
Poor hearing
Arthritis or body stiffness (i.e. slow reaction time)
Cognitive vulnerabilities
Finally, don’t forget about any cognitive impairments to driving, such as:
Inability to multitask while driving
Confusing pedals
Getting lost
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these are all common red flags that a senior isn’t driving safely and should no longer be on the road.
Health conditions that complicate safe driving
You should talk to your doctor about driving with your specific health condition. Generally speaking, these are some conditions that may make driving more difficult.
Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Parkinson’s disease
Stroke
Arthritis
Diabetes
Poor hearing or vision
Taking medications that may impact driving
Be sure to check with your doctor to have a better sense of how your health may influence your driving ability.
Next steps if your loved one wants to keep driving
Perhaps you feel confident in your abilities and want to keep driving in the near future. You can protect yourself by taking these safety steps. Make sure to review these actions on a regular basis, so you can continue to drive safely. This will protect yourself, as well as others on the road.
Get a driving assessment: If you’re not certain about your driving abilities, or want to verify that you’re a safe driver, sign up for a driving assessment. You can contact Adult Driver Services at:
866-277-0001 to get one.
Take a driver improvement course: Perhaps you want to keep driving, but could benefit from a driving course to brush up on your skills.
Adapt your vehicle to be senior-friendly: You can make driving safer by ensuring your car is outfitted with senior-friendly features. For example, consider installing a car handle to get in and out easily. You may also want a special seat cushion or seat belt.
Get your eyes and ears checked yearly: Having good sight and hearing is essential for safe driving. Get your annual check-up to make sure you have the right prescription and aids you need to drive.
Keep your car well-maintained: Regular maintenance is a must for senior drivers. Get the brakes checked regularly and keep the window/headlights clean.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to stay safe when you hit the road.
Happy and Safe Motoring
