Should Your Senior Still be Driving?

Driving is an activity that requires many different skills. Failure to pay attention, change lanes correctly, or react quickly enough can all have negative consequences. As people age, there can be many factors that impact their ability to drive safely. While many seniors see driving as a significant part of retaining their independence, it is important to ensure that they are safe behind the wheel. Although it can be a difficult conversation to have, sometimes it is necessary to discuss alternatives to driving.

If you have concerns about your loved one’s driving, go for a ride with them. Evaluate how well they adapt to changing conditions around them, if they abide by posted signs, if they can find their way without getting lost, and are overall safe drivers. Go on both slower, less congested roads, as well as faster-paced highways. This can help you to determine if perhaps they might be okay sticking to short, local routes as opposed to longer distances.

The following factors can all impact driving ability:

• Vision: It is important to not only be able to read road signs but also notice objects in the periphery. Drivers need to be alert to what is happening all around them and be able to see obstacles or potential dangers.
• Hearing: Hearing sirens, honking, and other noises can help drivers to stay safer and move out of the way in emergency situations.
• Dementia: The onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s can make it unsafe for seniors to drive. They may become confused or agitated while behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. They may become lost or disoriented traveling from one place to another, even if it is somewhere they know well. The person may also confuse the brake and gas pedals, turn signals, or other functions.
• Medications: Certain medications can impact driving ability. They may make people drowsy or confused or slow their reaction time. Talk to the doctor about potential effects of prescription medications and how they may impact driving.
• Mobility: Those with decreased mobility may have a more difficult time driving. Their reaction time may not be as fast, and it could be difficult or painful to move as required to check blind spots or safely turn or change lanes. Arthritis can cause still muscles and make grasping and turning the steering wheel more challenging.

Be alert to any dents or scratches on the car. This could indicate that your loved one is not as safe or alert as you may have thought. Paying attention to their driving and factors that may cause impairment can help you to keep your senior and others on the road safer. It can be a difficult topic to bring up, but necessary when it comes to their safety and security.