Driving is a privilege that many of us take for granted until we reach an age when it becomes time to consider if it’s still safe for us to drive.
While there is no specific age at which you are legally required to stop driving, it’s important to assess your physical and mental abilities to stay safe behind the wheel.
Round Lake Senior Living has put together this post to help you understand when it may be time to let others pick up driving responsibilities.
Signs That It’s No Longer Safe to Drive
As we age, our physical and mental abilities can change. It can affect our driving skills, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that could indicate it’s no longer safe to drive.
Whether you are a young driver or an older adult, you may want to consult a medical professional if you notice these warning signs.
Stopping When There Is No Stop Sign or at Green Lights
If you find yourself unexpectedly stopping at traffic signals due to confusion or failing to recognize the color of the light, it could indicate that your reflexes have slowed and your cognitive abilities have decreased. It could also mean it’s time to re-evaluate your driving ability.
Getting Confused by Traffic Signals
If you often get frustrated with other drivers on the road or are having difficulty understanding basic traffic rules and regulations, it could indicate that your driving skills need extra attention.
Running Stop Signs or Red Lights
Accidentally running stop signs or red lights can be very dangerous; if this happens more than once while driving, it may be time for re-evaluation. This type of behavior is not only illegal but can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Having Collisions With Other Cars When Parking
If you find yourself getting into minor fender benders when parking, this could indicate that your vision has weakened or your coordination has become impaired. Not being able to judge distances correctly can put you and others at risk while on the road, so getting these issues checked out as soon as possible is important.
Getting Lost & Needing to Call Family Members for Directions
If you constantly get lost in familiar places or make wrong turns even though you know where you’re going, it could indicate that your spatial awareness has declined significantly enough for it to affect your driving skills negatively.
Hearing From Family Members Who Are Concerned About Your Driving Abilities
This should never be taken lightly; if someone close to you expresses concern about your driving habits/abilities after seeing them firsthand, it might be time for a doctor to re-evaluate your fitness level.
Health Conditions That Can Impact Driving
As we age, we may experience changes in our vision, hearing, or physical abilities, making driving difficult. We might also be taking medications that could affect our ability to drive. It’s important to know which health conditions can affect our driving so we can take the necessary steps to stay safe while behind the wheel.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by various diseases or conditions that interfere with cognitive functioning.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. One of the clearest symptoms of Alzheimer’s is a sharp decline in cognitive skills, such as memory and reasoning. These deficits are severe enough to disrupt an individual’s daily life and activities, such as driving, making it important for those diagnosed with the condition to plan ahead regarding who will provide transportation when they can no longer drive safely.
Memory Care is a lifestyle option offered at Round Lake Senior Living that helps bridge the gap between comfortable senior living and individual care for conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. With Round Lake Senior Living’s support, your loved one will discover a place of peace and stability.
Problems with Vision
Vision problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can reduce a person’s ability to see hazards in time to react appropriately behind the wheel. If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with a vision or hearing problem, consult your doctor about how this should affect your driving habits.
Medications
Certain medications used for anxiety, pain relief (such as narcotics), sleep disorders, and more can all cause drowsiness, making it dangerous for people to operate motor vehicles safely.
If you are taking any medication that could impair your driving ability, check with your doctor before getting behind the wheel and follow their advice.
Making the Right Decision for Yourself
Ultimately, assessing when the time is right for a senior adult to stop driving comes down to an individual evaluation. Everyone ages differently and should be able to decide based on their physical and mental abilities when it comes to continuing or ending a relationship with driving.
If you’re a senior looking for guidance as you consider this issue, Round Lake Senior Living can provide you with support and resources. We’re dedicated to bettering the lives of our residents through various amenities, services, and activities that celebrate seniors.As all of our residents are different, so too are their preferences. That’s why at Round Lake Senior Living, we encourage individuals interested in pursuing retirement options to get in touch with us today. We strive to provide high-quality care that gives seniors the resources they need for a comfortable lifestyle and leave it up to them to decide how they want to live out their final years.
