For many Coloradans, driving is a sacred form of independence. Surrendering that privilege can feel sacrilegious, but there may come a time when choosing not to drive is the better choice.
Ideally, we will make such a decision ourselves, but it takes courage to acknowledge our limitations as we age. Solid self-management can maintain and improve our independence and trust while also reducing risks to ourselves and others.
Aging comes with expected changes to our health: reduced vision, reduced hearing, weakening joints and muscles, and slower reflexes, for example. Each of these changes impact our ability to drive safely. It’s essential that we recognize and act on signs that a loved one is no longer able to drive safely. It’s also essential we consider whether these signs apply to us.
Approximately 90% of the critical information needed to drive safely relates to vision, according to Driver’s Alert, the company that created the 1-800 number to report unsafe driving practices among companies with fleets of vehicles. Cataracts, glaucoma, and other conditions reduce the efficiency of our sight as we age. Annual eye exams are a good way to monitor changes to vision.
Walk around your loved one’s vehicle and look for scratches or dents that could indicate minor collisions with buildings, poles, and other vehicles. If such scratches or dents are present, respectfully inquire about them.
Watch for some of the following changes in driving behavior:
- Does the driver sit comfortably at the wheel or lean too far forward?
- Is she distracted easily?
- Is he aware of road signs, pedestrians, and the actions of other motorists?
- Does she tailgate often?
- Does the vehicle drift into adjacent lanes?
- Does he wait too long to respond to traffic lights or other signals?
When it’s time for this potentially awkward conversation, approach it with respect and curiosity. Ask the driver about her comfort level while driving or if he’s noticed any changes to his or other’s behavior. Discuss your observations but without being accusatory. Focus on future solutions rather than past problems.
One solution may be a driver safety class. The South Metro Safety Foundation offers several classes for drivers of all ages including Adult/Senior Driving Skills and an innovative Skid Car Class that utilizes a vehicle engineered to simulate winter driving conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 700 drivers aged 65 and older are injured and twenty are killed each day. Don’t let yourself or your loved one become another tragic statistic.
When it’s time to stop driving, make the courageous choice.
By Einar Jensen, Risk Reduction Specialist
South Metro Fire Rescue
