The number of drivers over the age of 70 is higher than ever before. Unfortunately, this age group has more fatal crashes each year than middle-aged drivers do.
Senior drivers can pose a threat to themselves and other drivers if their skills are impaired. Talking to a loved one about giving up driving can be a difficult conversation.
If you’re facing this situation and wondering when should seniors stop driving, we have the answers.
Here’s a guide to senior driving warning signs.
New Dents or Scratches on the Vehicle
If you have concerns about a loved one driving at an advanced age, examine their vehicle regularly. If you notice any fresh scratches or dents or damage to the mailbox, fence, or shrubbery, these are indicators of unsafe driving.
You may also want to check to see if their insurance rates have increased or if they have received a traffic ticket or warning. Having this information can help you emphasize the need to retire their keys.
A Change in Driving Habits
If you’ve noticed a recent change in your loved one’s driving habits, it’s another indication they may not be fit to drive. Some red flags include:
- Forgetting to use a seatbelt
- Failure to stop at stop signs
- Changing lanes without looking
Any of these issues can lead to an accident that injures your loved one or other people on the road.
Straining to See the Road
Seeing the road clearly is crucial to safe driving at any age. If your loved one is having vision problems due to macular degeneration, cataracts, or glaucoma, they shouldn’t be driving.
Other conditions like osteoporosis or a curvature of the spine can make it difficult to see over the steering wheel. Pain or stiffness can affect their ability to respond quickly or turn to check their blind spot.
Anything that affects their ability to see or act quickly can lead to a dangerous situation behind the wheel. At this point, they need more than elderly driving safety tips. They need to understand when to stop driving.
Driving Has Become Tiring, Stressful, or Confusing
If your loved one has physical challenges, driving can become a chore and lead to stress, worry, and exhaustion. Some older adults may become agitated or exhibit signs of anger or confusion while driving.
Some indicators of unsafe driving include:
- Getting lost in an area they were once familiar with
- Difficulty seeing traffic signals, road signs, or pavement markings
- Trouble backing up or turning the vehicle around
- Becoming intolerant of distractions
- Confusing the brake and accelerator pedals
- Slow or delayed response to unexpected events
- Displaying road rage
- Driving in a way that frustrates other drivers or causes them to honk
Experiencing Frequent Close Calls
If your loved one is narrowly missing hitting another car or has frequent close calls, they shouldn’t be driving. They will eventually have an accident.
Frequent close calls can result if they misjudge gaps in traffic, underestimate speed, or fail to notice road signs or traffic signals.
Difficulty Driving at Night
If your loved one can’t drive at night, you should pay close attention to their daytime driving. They could be experiencing vision problems that can make driving dangerous at any time of day or night. The safest solution is to take the keys away to keep your loved one safe.
Some seniors have a difficult time accepting that it’s time to stop driving. You may want to enlist the help of their doctor or other close family and friends if they are resistant to the idea.
Slow Reaction Times
Safe driving for seniors requires quick reflexes. They must be aware of what others are doing to avoid an accident. If your loved one’s reflexes aren’t what they used to be, driving can be dangerous.
Consider how your loved one responds to loud noises. Are they able to recognize danger and respond quickly? If they’re unable to recognize a potential problem on the road, they could get into a serious accident.
When a driver’s reaction time is slow, they are putting themselves and everyone else on the road at risk. At this point, it’s time for them to quit driving as soon as possible.
Easily Distracted
Some seniors begin having trouble paying attention in the early stages of dementia. You may notice an issue with their attention span years before dementia is diagnosed.
If your loved one is easily distracted, they could drift into oncoming traffic or fail to see a red light or stop sign. If you notice your loved one isn’t completing tasks, is jumping from one task to another, or is having difficulty maintaining a conversation, they shouldn’t be driving.
Communication Problems
A driver must be able to communicate. An older driver should have the ability to ask for directions, speak to a police officer, or use a cell phone in an emergency.
If your loved one is experiencing communication problems, it’s in their best interest to quit driving. You don’t want to take the risk of your loved one being unable to ask for help or communicate their needs if an emergency occurs.
If you’re struggling with getting your loved one to give up their keys, ask for support. Your loved one’s family, friends, and physician can be a great support system to help them understand that their driving days must come to an end.
When Should Seniors Stop Driving?
If you’re asking, “When should seniors stop driving?” there’s no easy answer. Senior adults are individuals, and there’s no certain age when a driver must give up their keys. The right time to stop driving is when your loved one is at risk.
If they’re experiencing close calls, have trouble seeing the road, have new dents or scratches on their vehicle, or are easily distracted, they need to quit driving. If it’s your task to inform them, you’re not alone.
TerraBella Roswell is a vibrant and beautiful senior living community. We offer exceptional care in a peaceful setting. If you’re considering assisted living services for your loved one, we can answer any questions you may have.
Contact TerraBella Roswell today to learn more.
