Are You Safe Enough To Continue Driving? Signs To Look Out For
#seniorcitizens #seniorsafetyadvice #drivers
Even the most experienced drivers can develop unsafe habits over time. It's important to regularly assess your driving skills and be aware of any changes that could impact your ability to drive safely. In this video, we'll discuss some key signs that it may be time to consider whether you should continue driving.
Here are 9 signs indicating it might be time to hand over the car keys:
Minor or Near Accidents: This includes more frequent “close calls” or scrapes. Elderly drivers might misjudge distances or fail to see road signs, leading to potential car accidents.
Disorientation on Familiar Routes: An aging parent or older people might find themselves lost on previously familiar roads, indicating a decline in cognitive abilities such as those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Vision Problems: Difficulty in seeing clearly, especially road signs and signals, is a common issue. Conditions like macular degeneration can significantly impair vision. Regular vision tests, which are often a requirement for renewing a driver’s license, are a good idea to assess whether an elderly person can safely continue driving.
Hearing Issues: If you find yourself needing a hearing aid or struggling to hear sirens and horns, it’s a sign to reconsider your driving ability.
Confusion Between Pedals: Mistaking the brake pedal for the accelerator is a dangerous sign, often seen in senior drivers with declining motor skills or those suffering from stiff joints.
Concentration Difficulties: Older adults might find it hard to concentrate on driving, making it risky, especially in bad weather or busy traffic. Safe driving requires full attention, especially at intersections and stop signs.
Physical Limitations: Stiff joints, reduced flexibility, or slow response time can hinder an older person’s ability to control the vehicle, check blind spots, or react quickly.
Slow Reaction Time: As response time slows down with age, it might become difficult to respond swiftly to sudden changes on the road.
Medical Conditions: Health problems like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, or other conditions can impair a person’s ability to drive safely.
Пікірлер: 9
Thank you for this video. I quit driving a few years ago because I was afraid of hurting myself or someone else. I am in my late 70s and it was time. I take an Uber to doctors or anywhere else I just have to go. I am much more at peace.
@SeniorSafetyAdvice
Ай бұрын
Oh you are welcome! And kudos for your bravery and honesty! I am 66 and have limited my driving quite a bit. And yes, I LOVE Uber (or Lyft). I feel like a queen when I have a driver taking me places. It's a little bit of luxury that I very much enjoy. Thanks for your comment.
I get it! I have a family member who is 90 yrs old and insists on driving... I do *not* want to be her passenger! She loves her independence and will not stop. If we have a conversation... she takes a wrong route T_T etc. etc.
@SeniorSafetyAdvice
Ай бұрын
Ugh, I know what you mean! I wouldn't get in the car with my mom-in-law either. It was just too scary. But I get it - it is such an emotional issue. And let's face it, no one makes a good decision when emotions are involved. I wish I could tell you a sure fire way to help you and her but different tactics work for different folks. In my next video I'm going to go over some tips and hopefully they can help. In the meantime, I do hope that she stays safe. Too often, the thing that makes most people stop driving is an accident - fingers crossed that doesn't happen.
@colourinmyrainbow
Ай бұрын
@@SeniorSafetyAdvice Looking forward to the next episode!
My mom is 86 years old and for almost a year now she has been letting me drive her around 90% of the time. I think she is tired of driving everywhere and welcomes being driven around. When I let her drive too much, she'll say ' oh you're not driving?' I live with her and I don't mind. She is still a good driver, but I just think she's tired of it.
@SeniorSafetyAdvice
Ай бұрын
Oh she is so lucky to have you. And you may be right and she may also not feel safe any more. It makes sense. I use Uber and Lyft quite a bit and I do love being driven around. It's a little bit of luxury!
Thank you! I appreciate the info. I've had a few of these 'symptoms', so this helps me make that difficult decision.
@SeniorSafetyAdvice
Ай бұрын
Ugh, it is a very difficult decision, I agree. And I applaud you for beginning to take the steps towards this next stage. I am so grateful for the service of Uber and Lyft, I use them quite a bit for night events and most especially when it's raining at night. Thanks so much for sharing and your comment. Take care.