Jul
11
2008
How Do You Tell Mom Or Dad It’s No Longer Safe For Them To Drive?
Author: Byron UdellMost older drivers believe they will know when they should stop driving. But giving up the car keys and the many benefits of owning a car, including a sense of independence, is often one of the most difficult decisions an older person must make, according to the New York Insurance Association Inc. (NYIA).
While driving skills vary from one senior person to another, the physical and mental changes that accompany aging can diminish the abilities of senior drivers. These can include a slowdown in reflexes, loss of muscle strength and agility; vision and hearing impairments; drowsiness due to medications; and a general reduction in alertness.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers 65 years and older accounted for 20 percent of all traffic fatalities in New York State. NHTSA also reports that collision rates per mile driven increase after age 70 and increase more rapidly after age 80.
Signs that it Might be Time to Retire from Driving:
- Family and caregivers should watch for common signs of decline in a senior person’s driving abilities. These are some of the indications:
- Drives at inappropriate speeds; responds slowly or does not notice other drivers or pedestrians.
- Fails to yield to other cars or pedestrians who have the right-of-way.
- Ignores street signs and traffic lights.
- Fails to judge distances between cars correctly.
- Becomes easily distracted; appears drowsy, confused or frightened.
- Has one or more near-accidents.
- Drifts between lanes or bumps into curbs.
- Drives without headlights on.
- Has difficulty with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights or other bright objects.
- Has difficulty turning his or her head, neck, shoulders or body while driving or parking.
- Ignores signs of mechanical problems such as low-inflated tires (a frequent cause of accidents).
- Not strong enough to turn the wheel quickly in an emergency situation.
- Gets lost repeatedly, even in familiar areas.
