Warning Signs Your Senior Should Give up Driving
Driving is a sensitive subject for seniors. Driving is a key aspect of maintaining our independence as we age. However, it’s entirely normal for our abilities to dwindle as we get older. Whether you have an elderly loved one or aging parent, it’s natural to see signs that they should give up the keys to their vehicle. It’s good to remind them that it doesn’t mean the end of their independence. Check out some of the red flags that indicate that your aging loved one should stop driving.
Lost Confidence and Concentration
If your aging senior loses focus and fades in and out of concentration, it’s a good indication that they should stop driving. Lack of concentration also means they drive either too slow or too fast for conditions, and don’t pay attention to road signs. In this case, they put themselves and others in danger.
Loss of Eyesight
Sight and hearing issues can cause major problems while driving, such as not hearing other cars honking and not being able to see traffic lights and lines on the road. He or she may feel that they need to drive closer to the vehicle in front of them to see them clearly, but this is dangerous for all involved.
Increased Citations
This pertains to traffic tickets and “warnings” by traffic or law enforcement officers. If your aging adult is getting pulled over for their driving, it may be time to re-evaluate their need to drive.
Problems with Reflexes and Range of Motion
If your senior is not reacting quickly enough to break suddenly or quickly look back to check their blind spot, confusing the gas and brake pedals, getting flustered while driving, or being quick to anger when behind the wheel, it may be time to stop driving.
Trouble with Basic Skills
The fundamentals of driving should never be difficult. If the adult is making sudden lane changes, drifting into other lanes, and braking or accelerating suddenly without reason, it could be dangerous for them to be behind the wheel.
Driving Has Become Confusing or Stressful
If driving has become a confusing or exhausting task for your beloved senior, it might be time for them to give up driving. Look out for signs such as low tolerance or patience levels when dealing with other drivers or traffic signals. Check whether they are mixing up the pedals or other controls of the car. Watch out for signs like getting lost easily, even in familiar neigborhoods, or having difficulty following simple road signs or markings.
Damage to the Car
Examine your parent’s car and their driveway. Do you see any unusual scratches or dents on their car? Is there any damage to their fence, garage door, or mailbox? If your senior know they should not be driving, they are less likely to tell you about any minor accidents they may have met with. Also, try finding out whether they have got any traffic tickets or warnings. Check the area around the garage and the driveway to see if any property has been damaged by your aging loved one while parking or reversing the car.
We hope that this helps you determine when your aging loved one should refrain from driving. When you are looking for reliable insurance, we can help. Contact the professionals at Hoffman Brown Company to get started.
