A guide on how to objectively assess your own driving skills or those of an aging loved one to determine when it might be time to stop driving.
Loved ones often do not realize how much their driving skills have deteriorated. Reaction time slows, and motor control and coordination suffer as well.
Age should never be the dominant factor in determining if an older person is fit to drive; some drivers may be very capable and safe at 80, while others no longer operate on a safe level at 55 or 60. Older drivers are also frailer than their younger counterparts, meaning even a small accident can have serious health consequences.
Self-Test
Here is a self-test to help you determine if it might be time to give up driving. As with any self-test, try to be as objective as possible when evaluating whether it is time to hang up the keys. Answers to these questions may provide valuable insight into how you are doing:
- Does traffic seem much faster now? Does traffic build up behind your car, or do cars at intersections seem to be going way too fast? While it may feel that other cars are driving much faster, it is doubtful that they actually are. Reaction time naturally slows as we age, leading many elderly drivers to drive a bit slower and avoid peak hours to compensate. However, at some point, driving too slowly can also be unsafe. If you feel you cannot safely make left turns into busy intersections, it may be time to stop driving.
- Do you have more close calls than in the past? Statistics indicate that we begin to have more accidents as we reach retirement age, and drivers over 65 tend to experience progressive declines. On a per-mile basis, elderly drivers can be more dangerous than even teenagers aged 16–18. Have family members and friends suggested that you give up the car keys? It may take a little humility, but sometimes a true friend is an honest friend. If loved ones are expressing concern, it might be time to listen.
- Has your eyesight deteriorated? Sometimes it is hard to admit, but eyesight diminishes with time. Are stop signs sometimes hard to read, or do you miss road signs because you cannot see them? Most states require drivers to have their eyes examined every time they renew their license. If you are concerned, have your eyes examined or conduct your own eye test. Minimum acuity for an unrestricted license is usually 20/40. License restrictions usually begin when eyesight deteriorates to between 20/50 and 20/60, depending on your state. Restrictions may include limits on nighttime driving, requirements for corrective eyewear, or freeway driving limitations. 20/70 is typically the minimum acuity required to keep any type of driver's license.
- Do you have trouble hearing? Being too hearing-impaired to notice emergency sirens can lead to dangerous situations. Seniors in doubt should be examined to identify and address hearing loss.
Testing Others
The simplest way to evaluate an elderly person's driving skills is to go along for a ride. Offer to accompany them to the grocery store or another nearby location. You do not need to make it feel like a formal driving test; simply ride along and take mental notes using the checklist above as your guide.
Keep in mind that the deterioration of driving skills is a sensitive topic. Tact and discretion are essential. However, if you are concerned that a loved one is jeopardizing their safety or the safety of others, you have a responsibility to monitor their driving and confront the issue rather than ignoring it. Seek the help of other family members and friends in your efforts to convince an unsafe driver to turn in the keys.
Evaluate Elderly Driving Skills
A guide on how to objectively assess your own driving skills or those of an aging loved one to determine when it might be time to stop driving.
Loved ones often do not realize how much their driving skills have deteriorated. Reaction time slows, and motor control and coordination suffer as well.
Age should never be the dominant factor in determining if an older person is fit to drive; some drivers may be very capable and safe at 80, while others no longer operate on a safe level at 55 or 60. Older drivers are also frailer than their younger counterparts, meaning even a small accident can have serious health consequences.
Self-Test
Here is a self-test to help you determine if it might be time to give up driving. As with any self-test, try to be as objective as possible when evaluating whether it is time to hang up the keys. Answers to these questions may provide valuable insight into how you are doing:
- Does traffic seem much faster now? Does traffic build up behind your car, or do cars at intersections seem to be going way too fast? While it may feel that other cars are driving much faster, it is doubtful that they actually are. Reaction time naturally slows as we age, leading many elderly drivers to drive a bit slower and avoid peak hours to compensate. However, at some point, driving too slowly can also be unsafe. If you feel you cannot safely make left turns into busy intersections, it may be time to stop driving.
- Do you have more close calls than in the past? Statistics indicate that we begin to have more accidents as we reach retirement age, and drivers over 65 tend to experience progressive declines. On a per-mile basis, elderly drivers can be more dangerous than even teenagers aged 16–18. Have family members and friends suggested that you give up the car keys? It may take a little humility, but sometimes a true friend is an honest friend. If loved ones are expressing concern, it might be time to listen.
- Has your eyesight deteriorated? Sometimes it is hard to admit, but eyesight diminishes with time. Are stop signs sometimes hard to read, or do you miss road signs because you cannot see them? Most states require drivers to have their eyes examined every time they renew their license. If you are concerned, have your eyes examined or conduct your own eye test. Minimum acuity for an unrestricted license is usually 20/40. License restrictions usually begin when eyesight deteriorates to between 20/50 and 20/60, depending on your state. Restrictions may include limits on nighttime driving, requirements for corrective eyewear, or freeway driving limitations. 20/70 is typically the minimum acuity required to keep any type of driver's license.
- Do you have trouble hearing? Being too hearing-impaired to notice emergency sirens can lead to dangerous situations. Seniors in doubt should be examined to identify and address hearing loss.
Testing Others
The simplest way to evaluate an elderly person's driving skills is to go along for a ride. Offer to accompany them to the grocery store or another nearby location. You do not need to make it feel like a formal driving test; simply ride along and take mental notes using the checklist above as your guide.
Keep in mind that the deterioration of driving skills is a sensitive topic. Tact and discretion are essential. However, if you are concerned that a loved one is jeopardizing their safety or the safety of others, you have a responsibility to monitor their driving and confront the issue rather than ignoring it. Seek the help of other family members and friends in your efforts to convince an unsafe driver to turn in the keys.
Evaluate Elderly Driving Skills
By Howtodotips
A guide on how to objectively assess your own driving skills or those of an aging loved one to determine when it might be time to stop driving.