Let’s face it. Sooner or later we will become “elderly drivers”. Being able to drive has always been a symbol of our independence. The thought of how hold can I be and still be allowed to drive is a very uneasy feeling. What we have found out is that it is not being an elderly driver that matters – it’s your health.
Most states are not out to take your license just because you reach a certain age. (Remember: States can take your license at any age if you are deemed unfit to drive because of health issues.) They just want to be sure that older drivers stay safe and do not endanger others on the road. Common mistakes made by older drivers are failing to yield the right of way, failing to stay in their lane, speeding or driving too slow and misjudging the time or distance needed to make a left turn in traffic. There are various reasons for these mistakes which include trouble seeing (your eyesight can change when you age), stiff joints and muscles (arthritis is common among older adults and can make it harder to turn your head), slower reaction time and reflexes and medications.
Fortunately statistics have shown that the rate of crashes among adults 65 and over has decreased recently. It is believed this may be due to several factors such as elderly drivers being in better health, safer cars are available and the roads themselves are safer. Just maybe elderly drivers are also wiser in that they know their own capabilities as to when they can drive and when they shouldn’t (for instance, not driving at night because of poor vision).
But sometimes, it is hard for the elderly drivers to realize that they are no longer a safe driver. In situations like this, it takes a concerned relative or friend to take the step forward and observe their driving. You need to focus on making sure the driver is alert and aware of other vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians and road hazards. Are they following the rules of the road such as speed limits, traffic lights and stop signs. A common mistake for elderly drivers is not being able to move the foot between the gas and brake pedals or just gets the pedals confused.
As a concerned relative or friend, you must be observant even if you are not riding in the vehicle with the elderly. Pay attention to conversations regarding multiple crashes, near misses and/or new dents in the car. If a neighbor tells you they have seen unsafe driving, listen. And most of all, if the elderly shares with you that their doctor has recommended that they should limit the amount of driving or quit driving entirely.
On a personal note – to the relief of my family my mom voluntarily gave up her driver’s license and the keys to her car when she was 90 because she recognized the fact that her reflexes just were not what they once were. Today she is 94 and going strong, probably because she prefers to be chauffeured – which keeps the whole family more at ease.
