Signs of Unsafe Driving in Seniors

As people age, their bodies and minds usually decline over time. While there are many safe senior citizen drivers on the road, there are also others with diminished capabilities that render their driving unsafe. It can be difficult for one to admit or recognize when their loved one has become unsafe while driving because taking away a person’s keys is a significant loss of independence for them.

Signs of Unsafe Driving

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of being injured or killed in an automobile accident increases as we age. A significant increase in the rate of fatal crashes occurs after the age of 75 and increases further if the driver is 80 or older. While a portion of these elderly driving statistics is attributable to greater susceptibility to injury and medical complications, the cause of accidents is usually due to age-related physical or mental conditions that impair the person’s ability to drive.

Physical Signs

While physically aging isn’t the sole reason to take away your loved one’s keys, it is a reason to start monitoring their driving abilities. There are a number of age-related health conditions that may impede someone’s ability to drive safely.

Decreased flexibility can make it difficult to perform a number of functions necessary for safe driving, such as turning the head to check blind spots or back up, as well as applying the proper pressure to the gas and brakes. Signs to look for: inability to turn the head or neck, as well as stiffness and weakness in the legs, arms, or other body parts important for safe driving.

Poor eyesight occurs naturally as part of the aging process. While licensing tests require vision screening, eyesight in elderly people can change rapidly between license renewals. Impaired vision may make it difficult to see traffic signs and signals, as well as other vehicles or pedestrians. Eyesight problems can also make it difficult to judge distances. Likewise, issues such as light sensitivity or poor dark vision may make driving difficult.

Hearing problems may also decrease safety when driving. For example, a senior citizen with poor hearing may miss important sounds necessary for safe driving such as emergency sirens.

Diminished reflexes slow reaction times. When driving, it is often necessary to react quickly in order to avoid accidents. Signs to look for: noticeably slow movements or reactions both in the car and out of it.

Medical issues may reduce the safety of driving. For example, medications may be causing mental fogginess or other difficulties.

Mental Signs

In some cases, elderly people with medical conditions or just because of the normal aging process may not be mentally alert enough to drive safely.

Forgetfulness can be incredibly dangerous when it comes to driving. If a senior is displaying increased signs of forgetfulness, it may be time to reassess whether he or she should have a license

Confusion can also make driving incredibly unsafe. If the senior citizen appears confused or foggy, then it is likely he or she is no longer safe to drive.

Drowsiness for young and old alike is an unsafe condition for driving. If your loved one is sleepy all the time, they are at a greater risk for falling asleep at the wheel. Also drowsiness causes diminished reflexes.

Behavioral changes may indicated there is a driving safety issue. Observe your loved one while in the car and make sure they are still engaging in behaviors such as fastening seat belts and using blinkers. Also watch for agitation, confusion, or mood swings while driving that can lead to unsafe driving.

Other Indicators

There are many other indications that can help you determine if your loved one is no longer safe to drive.

Near misses and fender benders can be a sign the senior driver in your life is unsafe to be behind the wheel. While all drivers, young and old, have had a close call in the car from time to time, these instances are exceedingly rare. However, if your loved one has several of these incidents, it may be time to reassess their driving safety. There is a chance that the senior will not report these incidents, so look for any scratches or dents in their vehicle and as them to state the cause. According to AAA, two or more collisions or near misses in the past two years may indicate there is a problem.

Traffic infractions can also indicate there is an issue. While a rare ticket of infraction happens to even the best driver, if they are occurring with any frequency, then it is likely indicating there is a safety issue. AAA states that two or more infractions or warnings in two years may signal unsafe driving habits.

Getting alot frequently may also indicate a problem. Many people lose their way from time to time. However, if the driver reports getting lost frequently, or is often late to appointments or engagements due to difficulty finding their way, they may not be a safe driver.

Forgetting the basics of driving is a definite indicator the driver is no longer safe behind the wheel. For example, if your loved one is suddenly confused by commonplace driving activities such as turning on blinkers or changing lanes, then it may be time to reassess the situation.

Monitoring Senior Drivers

The topic of unsafe senior driving is fraught with emotion for everyone involved. Driving is an important way for senior citizens to maintain a sense of independence. In some cases, however, elderly adults may experience diminished reflexes, poor eyesight, reduced range of motion, or mental lapses that render their driving unsafe. Family and loved ones should monitor senior citizens carefully when they suspect the person is no longer safe behind the wheel.