Seniors and Driving

As we grow older health issues and medications can negatively affect our driving ability. Seniors, their family members and caregivers need to openly discuss this issue.

Following are a few questions to consider:

Does he or she get lost on routes that should be familiar?

Have you noticed new dents, scratches, or other damage to his or her vehicle?

Has he or she been warned by a police officer or received a ticket for a driving violation?

Has he or she experienced a near miss or crash recently?

Has his or her doctor advised him or her to limit or stop driving due to a health reason?

Does he or she take any medication that might affect his or her capacity to drive safely?

Does he or she stop inappropriately and/or drive too slowly?

Does he or she suffer from illnesses that may affect his or her driving skills?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a caring, respectful and non-confrontational conversation about safety needs to take place.

You might consider riding with the older driver to observe his or her competency. Encourage your older driver to get a vision and hearing evalua- tion. An older driver safety class would refresh the rules of the road. You could also discuss any concerns with your loved one’s physician and ask for recommendations.

The good news is that older drivers may be able to adjust driving habits to increase their safety. For example, they may limit driving to daylight hours and good weather and avoid highways or high traffic areas.

Above all else, show genuine concern for your loved ones safety as well as the safety of others on the road.

i
nformation above provided by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration