Talking with Older Drivers--Is it Time to Put the Brakes On?

What can I, as a family member or friend, do if I am concerned about the driving ability & safety of someone older who continues to drive? First, recognize that driving is very important as it is our primary means of getting around. Second, if there are other family members or friends available, talk with them to see if they have made some of the same observations & discuss how you may be able to help the driver.

What can family members & friends do when a driver continues to drive against the advice of their doctor & others? It is best to maintain a sense of trust in your relationship, being honest & persistent. Encourage the person to make a decision to reduce or stop driving as appropriate. Be aware that people who lose the privilege of driving often feel lonely or anxious because they have fewer opportunities to be with friends or involved in activities. If the person will not listen to reason, you may want to discuss the problem with their doctor to find out if there are any medical issues that should be reported.

If an older driver stops driving, what alternative means are available? Most metropolitan areas have alternative means available, if you qualify. These services can be located within your community phone book. Be sensitive to the older person’s feelings. Expect some emotional reactions, and do what you can to help them through this trying time. 

Answering the following questions may help you decide if you need to initiate a conversation with an older driver about driving safely:

-Getting lost on routes that should be familiar?

-Noticing new dents or scratches to the vehicle?

-Receiving a ticket for a driving violation?

-Experiencing a near-miss or crash recently?

-Being advised to limit/stop driving due to a health reason?

-Overwhelmed by road signs and markings while driving?

-Taking any medication that might affect driving safely?

-Speeding or driving too slowly for no reason?

-Suffering from any illnesses that may affect driving skills?

WARNING SIGNS

Reaction time is one of the most crucial functions to safe driving. This slows with age, but increasing distance between other cars and objects may help some older drivers.

HEARING : Some hearing loss is common among people age 65 and older. High pitched sounds — such as horns, sirens & train whistles — may become less audible long before low pitched ones do. Studies show people who have hearing difficulties are more likely to be inattentive to their surroundings. Family & friends who suspect an older person doesn’t hear well should recommend a hearing exam & oer to go with the older person to get one.

VISION : Good vision is essential to safe driving. An older person may notice difficulties focusing on objects & switching focus from near to far. The ability to see detail may diminish. Peripheral vision may also change with age. This is significant, because about 98% of what we see when we drive is seen peripherally. Driving at night may become more difficult due to clarity in sight issues. As we get older, we need more light to see clearly. Approaching headlight glare may make it harder to adjust.