Whether it's an elderly person – your parent, a friend, an acquaintance or even yourself – everyone, without exception, wants to drive for as long as possible. But we all know that driving should be safe. Alas, as we age, our reactions behind the wheel get worse, which of course affects our driving skills and safety.
But how do you know when it's no longer safe to get behind the wheel?
Here are a few warning signs that it's time to put your car keys on the shelf:
1. The driver gets lost in a familiar place.
If a person has trouble remembering the way to the grocery store where he or she has been shopping for years or even decades, it could be a sign of a serious illness such as Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia. In this case, a thorough evaluation should be done and, as sad as it may be, it is advisable to take away the elderly relative's car keys. This is the best way to keep him or her safe.
2. The car is getting more and more dents and scratches.
If you've started to notice that your car or your relative's car is getting various dents and scratches from time to time, it could be the first sign that it's dangerous to drive.
Unfortunately, as we age, our attention and reactions deteriorate, which affects our driving skills. Even if the driving experience is half a lifetime. If you notice something like this, it's time to do something about it.
A few minor scratches, of course, may not mean anything. But there should be cause for concern. Especially if even small scratches are appearing more and more often.
3. The driver gets confused by familiar traffic signals.
Delaying while driving can lead to an accident. Watch older drivers when they drive. Pay particular attention to how they behave at traffic lights: how they react to different traffic signals, stop signs, and stop line markings. Remember that their unpredictable actions when stopping at intersections, traffic lights and crosswalks can jeopardize road safety.
4. The driver has started to receive frequent fines for traffic violations.
We all receive fines for traffic violations from time to time. Therefore, a rare fine is not a red flag for driving. But if an elderly driver has started receiving fines very often, it should be alarming. It is quite possible that he/she can no longer 100% correctly interpret road signs, markings or simply start to forget them.
If you notice something like this in an elderly driver, know that he or she is a danger on the road.
5. The driver faces health problems that can affect safe driving habits.
Health problems associated with aging may be reason enough to at least start reducing the amount of time you spend behind the wheel. For example, neck pain or stiffness, leg pain, and decreased arm strength can make driving more difficult. This is especially important in certain emergency situations on the road where quick and strong arm and leg movements are required.
That's why it's so important for seniors to get medical checkups as often as possible.
6. The elderly person avoids driving, especially at night.
There are some people who begin to realize on their own that it's time to give up driving, but most don't want to admit it. Especially those who have been driving all their lives. Nevertheless, such an elderly driver will give himself away by his behavior, by which you will understand that it is time to take away his car keys.
For example, you should be alerted to the fact that the elderly person has become reluctant to drive at night or often complains about bad weather – this can be a sign of risky behavior behind the wheel. It is also possible that the driver himself/herself has already begun to understand that it has become unsafe to drive. It's just that he or she hasn't accepted it yet.
7. The driver’s vision is severely impaired.
Good eyesight is essential for good driving. Unfortunately, eyesight deteriorates with age. Well, that's what glasses are for. But unfortunately, they don't always help. There are many medical conditions in old age that are dangerous for driving even with glasses/lenses.
Remember, vision is 90% of the information behind the wheel that you need to drive safely.
8. The person has a hearing deficiency.
The danger of driving with a hearing impairment is that the driver may not be able to hear warning signals from other vehicles, the siren of an approaching special purpose vehicle or, for example, problems with the engine and other components.
9. Driving behavior changes.
Take a ride with the elderly person and note his/her mood while driving. Does he/she show signs of road rage or aggression? Does he/she seem tense or preoccupied? Is he/she constantly uncomfortable?
Frequent unusual behavior on the road may be due to various medical conditions or the effects of medications. All of these significantly impair the safety of driving.
The decision to stop driving a vehicle is undoubtedly a very painful one. You can help the elderly drivers accept this by emphasizing that your primary concern is their safety, helping them see their limits, offering them safe alternatives such as taking a taxi, the help of friends and family, etc.
Let them know that they are not the only ones who have to make these decisions. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world face it every year.
Stay safe!