The question of when to hand in your keys is a tricky one. Age isn’t the only factor at play; the ability of the driver is really what it’s all about. Some drivers are still perfectly capable and responsible well into their 70s while others become a danger on the road when they hit 65. So, how do you know when it’s time to give up driving?

Driving and Aging

Nothing can stop the aging process and health conditions as well as physical and mental changes to the body that become more common with age can turn a very safe driver into an impaired driver.

Hearing loss makes it hard to pick up auditory cues, like sirens or horns of other cars. Decreasing vision can be even more dangerous as you might not see other cars or pedestrians until it is too late and reading and understanding road signs become a challenge.

Conditions like Dementia or Alzheimer’s can lead to disorientation and confusion and can affect your focus and memory. It can also affect your judgement – a very important aspect when it comes to driving safely.

Changes to physical strength and dexterity can slow down your reflexes and affect your coordination. Stiff joints, swelling and weakness can make it difficult to steer, step on the brake, or turn your head to look in your blind spot before changing lanes.

At the end of the day, anything that affects how you operate your vehicle or respond to changing road conditions could be reason enough to give up driving.

Warning Signs

An impaired driver is not only a danger to themselves but to everyone else on the road. Some warning signs to look out for include:

·      Struggling to concentrate and getting easily distracted or lost

·      Difficulty reading and recognizing road signs or hearing sirens and honking

·      Delayed responses to unexpected situations

·      More accidents or close calls and traffic fines

·      Running red lights or stop signs, stopping at inappropriate times, and going too fast or too slow

·      Family and friends expressing concern after travelling as a passenger

·      Having difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane in traffic

·      Loss of coordination

·      Stiff joints

·      Damage to your car like dents, scratches and damage to the mirrors

If you’re an older driver, but you’re not willing to give up the keys just yet, stay safe by cutting back on driving. Avoid driving at night, in poor weather conditions, in rush hour, or long distances. As far as possible, stick to roads you know, and plan your routes ahead.

How to Get Around

Giving up driving can feel like losing your independence, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love – there are other ways to get around.

·      Consider using public transport, like busses, if it’s available and safe

·      Ride-share services, like Uber or Lyft, are available in most cities

·      Carpool with relatives or friends to social events or shopping trips and make a day of it

·      Look into transportation services for older people, like the Silver Express

·      If finances allow, consider occasionally hiring a driver

·      Consider online shopping and delivery services for medication and groceries

Conclusion

Driving yourself wherever you want to go whenever you want to go provides a sense of independence and freedom that’s hard to give up. Some people will recognize the signs and decide to quit driving on their own, but if you’re concerned about a loved one, sit them down and explain that you want them to be safe. Sometimes hanging up the keys is an important step to make sure you have more years with your loved ones.