Checklist for Senior Drivers in San Diego
Obtaining a driver’s license is an important milestone for many young adults. Driving represents independence and freedom to many people, and the thought of having to surrender a license can be distressing. While some people lose their driving privileges involuntarily as punishment for crimes, all drivers must inevitably give up their driving privileges for safety reasons at some point. As we age, our reaction times diminish, and older adults are at higher risk for many health concerns that can impact driving ability.
Elderly individuals face consistent stress from their steadily growing lists of lost freedoms and capabilities. Talking to an older loved one about giving up his or her license can be a difficult discussion, so make sure you take the time to determine the right moment to have it. There are a few steps that elderly individuals and their loved ones can take to gauge how safe it is to continue driving.
Track Your Health Progress
Older individuals need to stay mindful of their health condition. Small problems for younger adults present much more significant issues to older adults, so it’s important to track any ongoing conditions or difficulties. Some conditions directly affect a person’s driving ability, while others do not, independent of the overall severity of the condition. It’s vital to keep close tabs on any new medical developments so you can prepare for any adverse effects.
Regular health assessments are a wise choice. As we grow older, it tends to get more difficult to do things like turning around to back up a car, applying the brakes reliably, or effectively turning the steering wheel. Additionally, as our senses weaken, driving becomes more dangerous. Reliable eyesight and hearing are essential to safe driving. Some older adults who have no trouble seeing during the day may not be able to drive safely at night. Others may have trouble with just one eye that creates focusing issues or impairs peripheral vision.
Finally, it’s crucial to be mindful of medications and their impact on driving skills. Many elderly individuals depend on one or more prescriptions, so be sure to speak with your prescribing doctor about any potential side effects that may impair driving. Ultimately, being responsible with tracking your medical status is a great way to stay safe on the road.
Recognize Warning Signs
If you are concerned about an elderly loved one’s driving abilities, it’s a good idea to ride with them a few times to evaluate for yourself. While many people have near misses and small scrapes with other drivers on a daily basis, an increasing number of close calls or dings in the car could be the early warning signs of a developing problem. Operating a vehicle can be very unpredictable for even the best drivers, so consider any warning signs as enough cause to personally check your loved one’s driving. Encourage senior drivers to avoid driving during inclement weather or at night, especially if he or she has difficulty seeing.
Try to get a feel for your loved one’s reaction times and how fast they can adjust to new road conditions. It’s also important to assess how well they can navigate. If your loved one starts to forget road names or becomes lost in familiar neighborhoods, it may be time to discuss surrendering his or her license. Encourage your loved one to let someone know whenever he or she goes for a drive, just in case memory becomes an issue. Senior drivers should carry essential items such as medications, a mobile phone, and ID everywhere they go. A GPS system can also aid with navigation.
Finally, gauge if your loved one has any difficulty with physically moving around and operating the car. Limited mobility can prevent accurate maneuvering and quick responses behind the wheel. Senior drivers must carefully monitor their health and maintain reliable control of their vehicles to remain safe. While these tips can help senior drivers be more cautious on the road, it’s important for us to recognize when it is time to give up our licenses for our own safety and that of others.