Driving Safety - When Should Elders Stop Driving?

The topic of “senior citizens and driving” is definitely a topic that sparks a lot of debate - after all, it is not marked in black and white what age at which elderly drivers should stop driving (unlike the minimum age of 16 or 17).   Some folks in their 60s suffer from health problems that preclude their ability to drive safely, while some older people drive well and capably well into their 80s.  It is normal to struggle with when it is right to take the keys away from aging parents, and whenever it happens it is not easy.

Removing some of the emotional baggage from this struggle by identifying warning signs is helpful in making the decision to encourage your parent or another senior to stop driving.  When it comes to driving safety, there are a great deal of signs to look out for that should come as a warning sign that someone’s health is making it dangerous for him or her to continue driving. When someone’s health is making it dangerous for them to continue to drive, they are putting not only their own personal safety at risk, but the public as well.  We wouldn’t let a person that we knew was drunk drive, would we? 

Here are some tips and warning signs to look for in elderly drivers:  

Check all prescribed medications to ensure that none of them conflict with affect the person’s ability to drive safely.  

Vision problems can seriously impair someone’s driving. Experiencing blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or having trouble driving in the dark all make it harder to react while behind the wheel.  

Having trouble hearing is another red-flag when it comes to this topic. Not being able to hear clearly can cause drivers to miss important cues needed to remain safe, such as someone honking a horn or emergency sirens. 

If you notice that a senior has problems with memory, it may be time for them to stop driving. When someone has trouble remembering what exit to get off, what direction to go, or experiences a pattern of getting lost, urge them to consider alternate modes of transportation. 

Finally, slowed reflexes may mean it is time to give up the keys. Being able to react quickly is one of the most important skills of driving, and having slowed reflexes could lead to a driver becoming flustered, confusing the break and gas pedals, and many more safety issues  

While it is certainly never an easy decision of when to intervene with a senior citizens driving situation, it is important to look out for these driving safety tips and act upon them appropriately - for the sake of that person as well as everyone else on the road!   My friend’s grandfather, in early stages of Alzheimer’s, backed up into a bank and nearly ran someone over. He became so belligerent when asked to stop driving his car that his doctor had to intervene and have his license revoked. 

When to stop driving is definitely a sore issue for many seniors as it may signal to them that they are losing their independence and freedom.  Tread carefully with your loved one and remember that you have everyone’s personal safety in mind.