Despite the stereotype, most seniors are actually very safe drivers. They typically don’t drink and drive, they follow the speed limit, and they are not reckless. However, there may be other factors in play which could make driving a dangerous activity for Mom or Dad as they age. Weaker muscles or stiff joints can make it difficult to handle the car, or vision problems could be setting in. Still, the decision to stop driving is very emotional – no one wants to give up their independence and rely on others. Loved ones may not like to be tasked with asking someone to stop driving, but it may become necessary for everyone’s safety.
Here are some warning signs to look out for when contemplating if it is time to ask someone to give up their keys.
Visual Impairment: A driver who struggles with their eyesight, no matter what stage of life, will have a difficult time identifying hazardous conditions, traffic signals, obstacles in front of them or the behavior of nearby motorists. However, aging drivers have additional challenges which are common, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma or a loss of night vision. Senior drivers should have their vision checked regularly for any changes in eyesight, and also to be checked for macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.
It is important to note that keeping on top of eye health will also help prevent falls, one of the most common causes of injury in senior adults.
Health Conditions: There is a wide range of health conditions which can be detrimental to your loved one’s driving ability, judgment and response time. These conditions could include memory loss or dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis and diabetes. While having one of these conditions doesn’t prevent driving in and of itself, they may result in physical challenges which make driving dangerous.
Side Effects from Prescription Medication: Many medications which are common for seniors can produce side effects which may make driving dangerous. These could include drowsiness, blurry vision, tremors and shaking, confusion and more. Most physicians agree that anyone who is taking narcotics or sleeping pills should no longer be operating a vehicle.
Hearing Loss: It is not uncommon for seniors to gradually lose their hearing. But if they can no longer hear horns honking, tires screeching, or sirens approaching an intersection, it may be time to stop driving. Make sure your loved one has their hearing tested regularly. If it is determined they can drive if they wear a hearing aid, make sure that they understand they must wear it if they get behind the wheel.
Anxiety: Sometimes as people age, ordinary activities become more stressful. If driving a car causes confusion, anxiety or exhaustion, it may be time to hang up the keys. If your parent comes home tense, gets lost in areas they are familiar with, or complains incessantly about other drivers, they may be too emotional to continue driving. You may notice them turning down social invitations or declining to drive at night. Anxiety usually indicates that your parent may be aware of their own declining capabilities, and the conversation maybe easier.
12 Red Flags
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are the top warning signs you should be aware of.
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- Drifting across lanes, straddling lanes while driving and making sudden and unexpected lane changes
- Missing stop signs and traffic signals, not noticing pedestrians or other vehicles
- Confusion and anxiety while driving in heavy traffic, getting lost or disoriented in familar areas
- Braking or stopping abruptly without cause, driving well under the speed limit
- Accelerating suddenly for no reason, or coasting to a stop in moving traffic
- Pressing simultaneously on the brake and accelerator pedals while driving
- Backing up against traffic after missing an exit or turn
- Difficulty reacting quickly to multiple stimuli and visual cues
- Issues with back/neck flexibility and loss of ability to turn and see traffic/hazards around the car
- Failing to use turn signals or keeping signals on without changing lanes
- Increased occurrences of “close calls” and “near misses”, dents or scrapes from grazing fences, walls, mailboxes or curbs.
- Receipt of two or more traffic citations or warnings within 24 months.
If you decide that it is time for your loved one to stop driving, they may also be ready to move to an assisted living community. All of these conversations can be difficult, but you are not alone. If you have any questions regarding the move to assisted living or memory care, call A Banyan Residence in the Villages. We are here to help.
