Senior Concern: Don’t Lose Your Car Keys

D.S. Mitchell

Don’t Lose Your Car Keys

D. S. Mitchell

Drivers Over 70 Increasing

Having a car gives a person freedom. Recently, two of my close friends have lost their driver’s licenses. In both cases, medical issues were the cause.  It made me think about  driving despite advancing age. The number of drivers who are 70 years or older is increasing. There have been significant strides in reducing deaths among elderly drivers. Over the last two decades the number of people over 70 killed in car crashes has dropped by nearly 20%. In fact, today’s older drivers are involved in fewer crashes per mile traveled than those in any previous generation.

Better Vehicles

Today people are walking away from crashes that might have killed their grandparents.  One reason for the dropping death count is that vehicles are safer than ever before.  The side air bag was introduced in 2008. The benefit of the side airbag has been dramatic with deaths dropping significantly.  Furthermore many older drivers today enjoy better health than driver’s of the same age decades ago.  Such factors allow older drivers to function safely longer.  However, there will come a time when you will need to consider giving up your car keys.

Chronic Diseases

Many health conditions can compromise driving skills. Some of the most common conditions are cataracts, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes. The decision to quit driving is a major life decision, it can have resounding effects. Emotionally the former driver may feel less competent and capable, more dependent and as such more vulnerable.  They may become depressed. With that aside, the most important question to ask is it safe to keep driving?

Warning Signs

Five questions to ask:

1.) Has reading road signs become difficult?

2.) Are you anxious and stressed while driving?

3.) Have family or friends said they are scared to have you drive?

4.) Physical limitations ? (Such as not being able to look over your shoulder).

5.) Taking medications that cause drowsiness or side effects that impair driving ability.

If you said yes to any of the above questions and you want to continue driving consider the following suggestions.

Rethink You Meds

If your medication makes you drowsy or interferes in your concentration you should talk to your doctor.  Your doctor may be able to switch you to a medication without those debilitating side effects. In some cases your doctor can place restrictions on your license. A study found that older citizens successfully self regulate their driving after it becomes clear that certain restrictions are warranted. An examples would be no night driving.

A Consultant

A driver rehabilitation specialist can help a driver who has become anxious and uncertain about their continuing ability to drive safely. The specialist offers suggestions based on their assessment of the driver’s capabilities. For  example he or she may suggest vehicle modifications that could help make the  time behind the wheel less physically taxing.

Take A Class

The driving environment has changed dramatically over the  last fifty years (since you got your first license). There are many new laws and there is much heavier traffic. Taking a class for older drivers can give a senior driver new confidence. Participating in a senior driving course could also qualify you for a car insurance discount.

Vehicle Upgrades

The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has identified several upgrades that are proven to help reduce crashes for older drivers: rearview cameras that can help drivers see better while backing up; automatic emergency braking systems; collision warning systems; and blind spot and lane-departure warning systems that help drivers avoid lane change crashes.