Senior Driving Safety
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
For most of us, driving symbolizes freedom and independence. Driver safety is often a very sensitive issue for seniors as they see the changes of normal aging affect their ability behind the wheel. If you or a loved one needs to limit or give up driving completely, it won’t be the end to independence. With the help from family, friends and resources, your loved one can remain mobile without driving.
Watch for Warning Signs:
⦁Difficulty following instructions and directions.
⦁Drives against traffic, on the wrong side of the road.
⦁Coasts to a near stop in the midst of moving traffic.
⦁Drifts into other lanes of traffic.
⦁Stops abruptly without cause.
⦁Presses simultaneously on the brake and accelerator while driving.
⦁Does not signal when turning or changing lanes.
⦁Has accidents, near misses, or “fender benders.”
⦁Gets lost in familiar places.
⦁Fails to obey traffic laws, road signs, or signals.
⦁Makes errors in signal use, steering, braking, speed and accelerator use.
⦁Has difficulty seeing pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles.
⦁Is increasingly nervous when driving.
⦁Becomes increasing flustered in traffic or by more aggressive drivers.
⦁Drives significantly slower than the posted speed or general speed of other vehicles.
⦁Turns from improper lane or at an improper time or pace at intersections.
⦁Straddles lanes.
⦁Ignores or coasts through stop signs.
⦁Backs up after missing an exit.
⦁Falls asleep while driving or gets drowsy.
⦁Does not pay attention to other drivers or road hazards.
⦁Does not react to emergency situations.
Talking to a Senior Who is No Longer Safe to Drive
If you need to have the conversation with a loved one about driving, approach the issue with sensitivity. A driver’s license signifies more than the ability to drive a car; it is a symbol of freedom and self-sufficiency. Understandably, driving is not a privilege that anyone wants to surrender willingly.
Most older drivers realize that they are gradually losing their ability to operate a car safely, but they still may be reluctant to hand over their keys. Your loved one may feel relieved to have someone else assist with the decision to stop driving.
When a Driver Refuses to Give Up the Keys
It might feel very difficult for you to force a loved one to give up driving all together, especially if the senior is used to having their independence. However, their safety and the safety of others on the road must come first. An unsafe driver can seriously injure or kill themselves or others.
Here are some tips:
⦁Tell your loved one that the doctor said they are no longer allowed to drive- you might even be able to have their doctor write a prescription to stop driving.
⦁Make an anonymous report to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
⦁Take the car keys away
⦁Disable the car
⦁Sell the car
Staying Mobile
There are many options available. These include:
⦁Family, Friends, Neighbor
⦁Public transit: buses, subways, and light rail
⦁County Buses
⦁Taxis, limousines, and chauffeur services
⦁Companion Care (such as Home Helpers)
⦁Private drivers
⦁Walking
⦁Motorized wheelchairs for non-ambulatory seniors
For assistance in finding transportation services, use local resources such as senior centers, adult day centers, your county’s Area Agency on Aging, faith-based organizations and hospitals.
To learn how our caregivers can assist with transportation, click HERE.