Senior Safety: There are many safe elderly drivers on the roads. In fact, one in six drivers in the United States is over 65.
However, it’s very common for reflexes to slow down, vision to deteriorate, and other age-related changes to start interfering with a senior’s ability to operate a car safely. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that fatal crashes per mile traveled increase significantly at around age 70. So it’s important to regularly monitor driving abilities as adults age for good senior safety.
By the time an adult reaches the age of 85, there are usually enough age-related declines in vision and reaction time to affect safety.
Conditions that Affect Driving Safety
Certain health conditions can also affect a senior’s ability to drive safely.
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Hearing loss
- Vision impairment
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Certain medications, such as narcotics, anxiety medications, and sleeping pills
This doesn’t mean that all seniors with these conditions are unsafe to drive, but it’s important to be aware of the potential safety concerns. Many of these conditions can affect the senior’s reaction time, which can be a huge concern when it comes to safe driving.
Red Flags that Signal it’s Time to Stop Driving
Some of the most concerning signs that it’s time to hang up the keys include:
- Getting confused at traffic signals
- Stopping when there is no stop sign or red light – or not stopping when there is
- Running into cars or objects in parking lots
- Getting lost
- Family and friends have concerns about their ability to drive safely, or won’t let their kids ride in their car
When families are concerned about an older driver, safe driving evaluations can be requested from rehabilitation centers, occupational therapists, driving schools or the DMV.
Many Seniors Resist Giving up the Keys
Many seniors don’t want to give up driving. A 2012 AAA survey found that 90% of seniors feared that losing their driver’s license would negatively impact their lives.
There are a few things seniors can do to reduce the risks associated with driving before completely giving it up.
- Drive only in daylight and clear weather
- Avoid rush hour and busy streets, especially freeways
- Drive only in familiar areas, close to home
- Consult with an occupational therapist for safer driving adaptive equipment and practices
Senior Safety: Become Familiar with Driving Alternatives
As it comes closer to time to stop driving, it makes sense for seniors to start exploring alternatives to driving themselves. Whereas the options used to be few and far between, these days there are plenty of alternative ways to get around beyond just a taxi or bus.
Today, Uber and Lyft offer affordable ridesharing services. Many grocery stores and online services offer grocery and product deliveries, and neighbors, friends, and family are often willing to help out.
However, many seniors find that senior care actually offers the best driving service of all to meet their needs.
Senior care can provide transportation – and so much more! Senior care aides can help an older adult get ready to go out if needed. They can stand by when at a medical appointment or grocery store, helping take notes, read labels, or pushcarts if needed. They can help load groceries into the trunk and even put them away once back home.
Getting used to the changes associated with aging can be tough, but senior care services make senior safety much easier.
Amelia Home Care provides traditional Senior Home Care in Brooklyn, NY, along with virtual caregiving and remote patient monitoring. Our service area includes; Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Call today (929) 333-3955.
Sources
6 Signs It’s Time to Stop Driving
We proudly provide non-medical home care services to individuals with disabilities, injuries, difficulties with mobility, or illnesses. Our team is composed of highly trained and competent staff members who are dedicated and experts in delivering home care services in the comfort of our client’s home.
Through our personalized care plan, we can give you the needed care services that are all intended to cater to your unique personal and health needs. With us, we ensure around-the-clock services and supervision to help you achieve optimum health and wellness.
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