Senior driving safety: navigating the road ahead

Many seniors are reluctant to hand over keys to their vehicles, and that’s understandable. Driving represents independence and freedom, an opportunity to go wherever and whenever you please.

As we age, though, some of the skills needed to drive safely — good eyesight, quick reflexes, an ability to predict other drivers’ actions — start to diminish.

At some point, all adult children should have a conversation with their aging parents about whether they should continue driving. It’s not about the perceived loss of independence; it’s about safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that 17% of traffic fatalities in 2021 consisted of seniors ages 65 and above. That percentage will continue to climb as Baby Boomers age.

Seniors do not need to automatically stop driving at a certain age. It’s an individual decision between seniors and their loved ones. Factors like worsening eyesight, hearing, mobility and sleep come into play, as do the impacts of certain medical conditions, such as tremors from Parkinson’s disease and memory loss from dementia. Additionally, some medications cause drowsiness or decrease alertness, reflexes and judgment.

What are the warning signs?

There are several behaviors to monitor when it comes to unsafe senior driving, including the following:

1. Getting lost or unsure about directions

2. Anxiety about driving

3. Multiple accidents or near-accidents

4. Several recent traffic tickets or warnings

5. Direct observations about erratic or unsafe driving

6. Difficulty seeing signs, highway exits, lights, vehicles or pedestrians

7. Unsafe feelings from passengers

8. Frequent speeding or slow driving

9. Inability to turn head or neck to check mirrors and lanes

Just one warning sign is a cause for concern. If multiple signs are present, it might be time for a heart-to-heart conversation. Consult a physician; a qualified opinion from a neutral third party can help all parties make an amicable decision.

MILLER

Adult children should come to the conversation prepared with a list of reasons, but keep emotions in check. No one likes to be picked on or yelled at. If the loss of independence is a sticking point, there are many options to consider — public transportation, a rideshare service or even a shuttle can take seniors to doctor appointments, social gatherings and grocery stores. Seniors can still be independent even if they’re not behind the wheel.

In some cases, the result of this conversation might be a quick fix, like avoiding driving at nighttime, during rush hour and while it’s raining, or perhaps registering for a safe driving class. Safety is paramount, and as long as your parents know your intentions come from the heart, the conversation will go well.

About the author

Scott Miller is the founder and CEO of Florida Senior Consulting. He is a board-certified health care services administrator and certified dementia practitioner who partners with seniors and their families to help navigate the next stage of life while getting the best care possible. ¦

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