Driving is a complex activity that demands both mental and physical alertness. Knowing at what age to stop driving will help you avoid injuring yourself or others. Even though there is no legal age at which you must cease driving, some health changes that occur with aging can raise the chances of being involved in an accident.
Age-related changes that make it more difficult to drive safely usually manifest gradually. Therefore, older adults should assess how aging affects their driving skills early and often. That way, they will know when to surrender their driver’s license and how to adjust to life without driving.
Because we age at different paces, it’s impossible to specify the appropriate age to stop driving. The information offered here can assist you in evaluating whether or not you are still capable of driving safely. It may also be helpful if you are concerned about an older adult driver’s safety.
How Do You Know What Age You Should Stop Driving?
A person’s age alone does not make them a risky driver. Medical issues and physical and mental abilities all play a role in determining when it’s appropriate to hand over the keys. There are a few telltale signs that driving is no longer safe, though. These are some of them:
Limited Physical Fitness and Weak Reflexes
Muscle strength and flexibility deteriorate as people advance in age. If you observe the following signs of limited muscle fitness and reflexes, then age is catching up with you:
- Driving becomes difficult
- Checking side mirrors for oncoming traffic when changing lanes is tiring
- Grasping the steering wheel becomes challenging
- Becoming exhausted after only a few miles
- Being slow/failing to detect pedestrians and other vehicles
- Taking a long time to respond to traffic signals
- Confusing gas and brake pedals
Deteriorating Vision And Hearing
Having good eyesight is essential for safe driving. Vision degeneration is one of the most significant bodily changes that occur as people get older. Light reception is what allows us to see, and our eyes grow more sensitive to light as we get older.
The glare of oncoming headlights is hazardous because of the sensitivity to light. Consequently, traffic signs, pedestrians, lane markings, and other vehicles on the road become increasingly difficult to see.
Color perception also changes with age. As a result, an older person may have difficulty differentiating between red, yellow, and green lights.
Hearing is another function that deteriorates with age is critical for safe driving. Hearing loss makes hearing horns, mechanical failure sounds, and screeching tires more difficult.
Problems with Memory Loss
Driving involves following a lot of directions. When you get older, remembering where you’re going and tracing your steps back to your previous location gets more challenging. Memory loss is connected to missing exits on your regular driving route or getting lost in familiar areas regularly. Everyone suffers memory lapses from time to time, but if this occurs frequently, it may be time to stop driving.
Frequent Narrowly Missed Accidents
A rise in traffic penalties and auto insurance premiums is also a red flag. You’re more likely to be pulled over for traffic offenses as you get older. Suppose you have a history of multiple close calls due to misreading traffic signals or underestimating speed of oncoming vehicles. In that case, you may have to cease driving.
If you’re above 60 and driving, be aware of any challenges that could indicate a problem. In addition, finding dents and scrapes on your car’s body and hitting other vehicles or garage doors while parking means that your driving is likely no longer safe.
Medications
Prescription medicines are often and in considerable quantities used by people over 65 years old. Prescription medicines can impair your driving skills if you take them frequently. Side effects include blurred vision, weakened reflex, drowsiness, and disorientation.
Most medication for treating health conditions of older adults makes driving unsafe. So, when the drugs start piling up on your table, it’s time to think about getting chauffeured.
Note: When you have concerns about your driving, one option is to request a driving evaluation, which you can get at a rehabilitation clinic, driving school, or state licensing agency.
Physical therapy clinics can also run tests to measure a person’s reaction time and vision and test the ability to drive through an obstacle course safely.
How to Get Around if You Stop Driving
It can be tough to switch from a self-sufficient driver to a passenger. Making alternate arrangements for transportation can go a long way toward assisting you with your adjustment.
Even if you decide to give up driving, you may remain active and do the activities you enjoy.
There are many possibilities for transportation at your disposal. Consider the following:
- Inquire with family and friends about scheduling time to drive you to your destinations.
- Cut down your reliance on transportation by using grocery, meal, and medicine delivery services and at-home service providers.
- Look into transportation options for seniors or eldercare services.
- Re-acquaint yourself with the public transport system if your city has it, as it may be a convenient and affordable mode of transportation.
How Can Older Adults Stay Safe While Driving?
Suppose you decide to continue driving for a few more years after assessing your health condition. In that case, the following precautions can help you drive safely.
- Steer clear of driving at night or in inclement weather. If you are unsure of the weather, don’t drive.
- Drive only on familiar streets and always turn on your headlights.
- Take roads that allow you to avoid potentially dangerous areas like ramps and left turns. Alternatively, look for routes with green-arrow signals for left turns.
- Ensure there’s enough room between you and the car ahead of you. When you know you’re going to have to stop soon, begin braking early.
- Keep away from disturbances such as eating, listening to the radio, holding discussions, and talking or texting on the phone.
- Always remember to look both ways when approaching an intersection
- Avoid highways where it is difficult to evaluate distances due to high speeds. Stay in the right lane if you must travel on the freeway; there is a slower pace of traffic there. This may provide you with more time to make prudent driving judgments.
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