Why seniors shouldnt drive

Yet, getting older can make driving riskier. Normal changes that come with aging like reduced vision, trouble hearing, and stiff joints and muscles can all affect your ability to drive safely, according to the National Institute on Aging. And, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over older adult drivers are injured and more than 20 are killed in auto accidents in the U. While old age alone is not a reason to stop driving, those with age-related physical and cognitive challenges such as slower reflexes or vision troubles may be in danger while driving.

However, know that your loved one may not give up driving easily. Below, you can read about warning signs of a dangerous driver, how to talk to your loved one about driving, and some of the best transportation services for seniors. In addition, many older adults in the U.

Having any of the following factors does not mean an older adult should immediately stop driving, but they can elevate risk and warrant monitoring. Vision is obviously a key component of driving ability. But deterioration in vision is an inevitable effect of aging; in people 75 and older, vision impairment rates increase significantly, according to the CDC. As the eye ages, far less light reaches the retina, for one thing. Older eyes are also more susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems that impair vision.

Encourage your family member to have regular eye exams, and check-in with his eye doctor if you have concerns. Few people age without some deterioration in their hearing. In fact, one-third of those over 65 have hearing problems. Hearing loss can happen gradually, without the person realizing it, and undermine the ability to hear horns, screeching tires, sirens, and other sounds that would normally put someone on high alert.

Make sure the person in your care has regular hearing tests. Many drugs can compromise driving ability by causing drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, tremors, or other side effects. Certain drugs taken in combination can also interact and cause serious problems. If your loved one takes a lot of pills each day, as many elderly people do, be sure to educate yourself about the drugs and their possible side effects.

Even herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications can affect driving ability. How can you tell when the time has come for someone to stop driving? Your parent or other aging loved one may not notice that their driving skills are deteriorating or may not want to acknowledge it — and you may not care to either.

This is an especially telling sign for a driver that typically has not had tickets or warnings from law enforcement in the past.

When your aging loved one is not with you, walk around their car look for signs of damage. If so, ask her about them. Notice whether your parent is reluctant to drive, seems tense or exhausted after driving, or complains of getting lost. She may, for example, decline invitations to social events that require her to drive, particularly at night.

They may feel uncomfortable approaching you with any concerns but may talk with you if you contact them directly. Contact them regularly, and make sure they have your contact information too, so they can reach you if anything comes up.

Take several drives with your aging loved one at the wheel, and observe their driving with an open mind. Are they tense? Do they lean forward in their seat and appear worried or preoccupied? Does he or she often express irritation at other drivers? Do they seem particularly tired after driving?

If so, your loved one is probably beginning to have some anxiety about driving. In the end, the senior in your life may be completely reluctant to give up the act of driving. That may be discouraging to you. It may also be concerning. However, there may be room for compromise. If your loved one insists on continuing to drive, present the idea that they learn to modify their habits and create a realistic set of responses for any difficulties they have on the road.

Ask them to limit their driving to daylight hours in order to ensure that they can see the environment around them well enough to make it to and from their destinations. Suggest that they refrain from driving long distances while alone, giving them some extra eyes to help them make their way. Also suggest alternative routes that may reduce stress associated with rush hour traffic and busy roads and highways. Encourage your loved one to pull over whenever they are in distress, and present yourself as an accountability partner who is willing to answer the phone and respond appropriately if ever there is an emergency on the road.

Have your loved one speak to their doctor about their health. Specifically, have them ask detailed questions about their driving habits, medications and their effect on driving. Also, make your loved one aware that there are modifications that can be made to their vehicle to help them remedy any lack of movement they have within the cabin of their car or truck. With these tools, they can better reach the steering wheel, pedal or other instruments. In some cases, the thought of driving with so many new variables to worry about may make your loved one more inclined to give into the idea of stopping their driving, altogether.

If not, you can, at least have the peace of mind that they may become better drivers with some form of formal help and attention to detail. Their options may vary, according to the state they live in. You may also want to talk to them about giving their car to another family member or selling it, as well as cancelling their insurance. After all, the monetary savings may be a big plus for them, especially if they might use the money saved to fund alternative modes of transportation.

What Seniors Need to Know About Ride Sharing - For seniors, a comfortable grasp on ride sharing can unlock your ability to travel short distances without getting behind the wheel.

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Click to find the best device for you. Have a comprehensive driving evaluation performed by an occupational therapist. Brush up on your driving skills by taking a refresher course. Talk to your doctor about your ability to drive safely.

An occupational therapist or certified driver rehabilitation specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the skills needed to drive and recommend car modifications or tools to keep someone driving as long as possible. Such an evaluation can also help diffuse accusations from family by providing a neutral third-party perspective. You can ask your medical treatment team for a referral, or visit the websites listed in the Get more help section below.

Sometimes signs of unsafe driving can come up gradually, or a recent change in health may make problems worse. Even if the individual warning signs seem minor, together they can add up to a substantial risk. Frequent close calls i. Trouble with the fundamentals of driving such as making sudden lane changes, drifting into other lanes, and braking or accelerating suddenly without reason.

Other examples include failing to use the turn signal, or keeping the signal on without changing lanes. Eyesight problems like not seeing traffic lights and street signs, or having to drive closer and closer to them to see them clearly. Problems with memory including missing exits that used to be second nature or getting lost frequently. Adjusting to life without a car can be challenging at first. You might even feel ashamed or worry that you are losing your independence.

However, it takes a lot of courage to stop driving and put the safety of yourself and others first. You may even find there are benefits to living without a car.

Saving money on the cost of car ownership can pay for alternative transportation such as using a taxi or shuttle service. Walking more can improve your health.

Not only is exercise good for your body—it can help improve your mind, mood, sleep, energy, and memory. Accepting rides from others can expand your social circle. Try offering a friend or neighbor money for gas, or trade off on other chores, such as cooking a meal in return for your friend driving. You may enjoy life far more by living it at a slower pace without the stress of driving. The more alternatives you have to driving, the easier the adjustment will be.

Explore public transportation, ride sharing options, community shuttles for seniors, and taxi or mobile app services like Uber and Lyft. This may also be a time to evaluate your living situation. Driving safety can be a sensitive issue for older drivers. If you find yourself in the position of talking to an older friend or family member about their driving, remember the following:.

Be respectful. Driving is often an integral part of independence. Give specific examples. Find strength in numbers. A loved one may also listen to a more impartial party, such as a doctor or driving specialist. Help find alternatives. The person may be so used to driving that they have never considered alternatives.

You can offer concrete help, such as researching transportation options or offering rides when possible. Understand the difficulty of the transition.