How do you know if you shouldn't drive?

According to the National Institute on Aging, a person's vision, reflexes, and hearing change with age, making it harder to drive safely. Knowing how do you know if you shouldn't drive is a critical step in ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Quick Summary

Assessing one's driving ability involves evaluating a combination of physical, cognitive, and behavioral indicators, rather than relying on age alone. Key signs include getting lost in familiar areas, frequent fender benders, slower reaction times, difficulty with vehicle control, and feedback from concerned family members or passengers. These indicators suggest it may be time to transition away from driving for personal and public safety.

Key Points

• Physical Limitations: Reduced vision, hearing, flexibility, and reflexes are key indicators that can affect safe driving.

• Cognitive Warning Signs: Memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgment, often unnoticed by the driver, are major red flags.

• Behavioral Changes: An increase in near-misses, fender benders, or inexplicable dents and scratches signals a problem with driving habits.

• Consider Professional Assessment: A Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS) or a doctor can provide an objective evaluation of your driving skills.

• Listen to Concerned Loved Ones: If family members express concerns or avoid riding with you, it's a serious sign that your driving may be unsafe.

• Plan for Alternative Transportation: Explore options like public transit, ride-sharing, or senior community transport to maintain independence after stopping driving.

Evaluating Your Driving Fitness

Determining when it is time to stop driving is a significant decision. Acknowledging potential changes in driving ability is crucial for everyone's safety. A self-evaluation of physical, cognitive, and behavioral factors can help identify if it's time to stop driving.

Physical Red Flags: How Aging Impacts Vehicle Control

Age-related physical changes can affect safe driving by impacting coordination, strength, and sensory perception.

• Vision and Hearing: Difficulty seeing road signs, pedestrians, or driving at night, as well as trouble hearing sirens, can be dangerous.
• Slower Reaction Times: Reduced reflexes can decrease the ability to react quickly in emergencies.
• Decreased Flexibility: Stiffness can make checking blind spots or reversing difficult. Reduced strength can also impact pedal and steering control.
• Medication Side Effects: Some medications cause drowsiness or confusion, affecting driving ability. Consult your doctor about medication side effects.

Cognitive Changes Affecting Judgment

Driving requires quick thinking and good judgment, which can be affected by cognitive decline.

• Memory and Confusion: Getting lost or forgetting traffic rules are key signs.
• Attention Span: Easy distraction can lead to missing important signs or signals.
• Impaired Judgment: Making poor decisions while driving indicates compromised judgment.
• Stress or Agitation: Feeling overwhelmed by driving may suggest the task is too demanding.

Behavioral and Observational Red Flags

Changes in driving behavior and observations from others are important indicators.

• Accidents and Near-Misses: An increase in incidents or traffic tickets can signal declining skills.
• Unexplained Damage: Finding dents or scratches without memory of their cause is a major red flag.
• Driving Speed: Driving significantly faster or slower than the limit without reason can indicate an issue.
• Lane Discipline: Difficulty staying in lanes or making turns suggests a loss of control.
• Passenger Concerns: Reluctance from passengers to ride with you is a strong indicator of unsafe driving.

Comparing Driving Behaviors: A Self-Assessment

Consider these comparisons of driving behaviors for self-reflection:

Safe Driving Behavior	Potential Red Flag Behavior
Drives calmly and confidently	Experiences increased anxiety or irritation
Maintains consistent, appropriate speed	Drives too fast or too slow for conditions
Stays within lane markings	Drifts across lanes or straddles the center line
Can safely check mirrors and blind spots	Struggles to turn head to check blind spots
Reacts quickly and appropriately to hazards	Has delayed reactions to sudden events
Gets to familiar destinations without issue	Gets lost or confused on well-known routes
Confidently judges gaps in traffic	Has trouble merging or making left turns
Parking is smooth and accurate	Hits curbs, objects, or has difficulty parking

Taking the Next Steps: Addressing Concerns

Discussing concerns about driving can be challenging. Approach the conversation with empathy and focus on safety. Consider a professional assessment from a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), often an occupational therapist with specialized training. Resources are available from organizations like the National Institute on Aging. Visit the NIA's dedicated page for safe driving tips for older adults: Safe Driving for Older Adults | National Institute on Aging.

Moving Forward: Embracing New Transportation

Stopping driving doesn't mean losing independence. Explore options like public transportation, ride-sharing apps, or community senior transportation services to stay mobile and connected. Planning for this transition can help maintain an active lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs that I should stop driving?

The first signs often involve subtle changes, such as feeling nervous or overwhelmed in traffic, experiencing 'near-misses,' or getting lost on routes you once knew by heart. Finding new, unexplained dents or scratches on your car or garage is another significant red flag that your spatial awareness may be declining.

Can my doctor tell me to stop driving?

Yes, a doctor can and should discuss how certain health conditions or medications might affect your driving ability. While in most states they can't physically revoke your license, they can provide a medical recommendation that can be a powerful motivator for you to stop driving voluntarily. In some states, physicians are required to report certain medical conditions to the DMV.

What if my aging parent refuses to give up driving?

This is a sensitive and common situation. Approach the conversation with empathy, focusing on their safety and well-being. Provide specific examples of concerning driving incidents rather than general statements. Involving their doctor for an objective opinion and presenting alternative transportation options can help ease the transition. If necessary, you can report unsafe driving to your local DMV for a mandatory re-evaluation.

Is there a test to find out if I should stop driving?

Yes, you can undergo a professional driving assessment. This evaluation is typically conducted by a certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS), often an occupational therapist. The assessment includes both a clinical and on-road evaluation to determine if you can drive safely and identify any areas that could be improved.

How do vision changes affect my driving?

Vision changes like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration can significantly affect driving. Reduced vision can make it harder to read road signs, see in low light or at night, judge distances, and spot hazards in your peripheral vision. Regular eye exams are crucial, as is adhering to any corrective lens requirements.

What are some alternatives to driving?

There are many options for transportation once you stop driving. These include public transportation (buses, trains), ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, and community-based programs that offer transportation for seniors. Family and friends can also be a valuable part of your transportation plan.

Should I be worried if I confuse the gas and brake pedals?

Yes, confusing the gas and brake pedals is a very serious warning sign. It indicates a decline in motor skills, reflexes, and cognitive processing that is unsafe for driving. If this happens, you should immediately stop driving and seek a professional evaluation to prioritize your safety and the safety of others.