Introduction
Driving is a privilege, not a right. The time will come when a person's driving may need to be limited or stopped on a short-term or permanent basis. Still, deciding when it's too dangerous for you or a loved one to continue driving is never easy.
Aside from teenagers, older drivers are involved in more fatal car crashes per kilometres driven than any other age group. Two of the most common traffic violations are failure to yield right of way and failure to obey a traffic sign.
Most older drivers will gradually limit or end their driving as they begin to feel unsure of themselves in certain situations or driving in general. However, some drivers are unable or unwilling to recognize their declining abilities, especially if they have a health problem such as dementia. These problems can impair the comprehension and judgement of older drivers.
Warning Signs
The following factors have been identified as most predictive of driving impairment:
- Feeling discomfort, anxiety or fear while driving
- Having frequent minor accidents involving denting or scraping of the car
- Having frequent 'close calls'
- Having trouble staying in the right lane and 'reading' the lanes
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Having difficulty attending to or interpreting signals, road signs and pavement marks
- Responding too slowly to situations that require problem solving
- Having a medical condition or taking medications that hamper the ability to operate the vehicle and drive safely
- Having difficulty judging distances between cars at intersections and when exiting or entering lanes or on/off ramps
- Finding other drivers growing impatient with you, or you with them
- Noticing that friends or family members seem reluctant to drive with you
- Having trouble seeing to the sides of the road while looking ahead
- Becoming easily distracted or finding it difficult to concentrate while driving
- Having difficulty turning to check for cars when backing up or changing lanes
- Receiving frequent traffic tickets or warnings from police in the last two years
If any of these warning signs apply to you or a loved one, consider having your or their driving tested by a professional or taking a driving refresher course. Consult your doctor if you have difficulties with concentration or memory or physical symptoms that could be affecting your ability to drive safely.
What You Can Do
If you fear your loved one is an unsafe driver, take stock of the situation. Go out with the driver for a test ride if necessary. Monitor their driving skills, including their ability to make sound judgments, to react swiftly to situations and to remember the rules of the road.
Broach the topic of driving safety with your loved one. Express your concerns for their well-being and that of others candidly and frequently. Talk about what you have observed.
Make some suggestions for the driver, based on how unsafe their driving is. Bear in mind that stopping someone from driving early can have a psychological impact on their sense of independence and contribute to declining health. Some options could include limiting driving to certain times and/or places or getting rides with family or friends.
Ask their doctor if you can meet together to discuss the problem and find solutions.
Do your best to help your loved one maintain their independence by finding transportation alternatives, such as public transit or use of a ride service.
If they continue to insist on driving, despite being clearly unfit, tell their doctor and inform the transport ministry.
Your loved one may react with anger and denials when told it's no longer safe for them to drive. Be prepared for this reaction but stand firm if you know they're a danger to themselves and others. As a last resort, hide their car keys and move their vehicle.
Further Resources
Contact the Alzheimer Society at www.alzheimer.ca or 1-800-616-8816 and Seniors' Information at www.seniorsinfo.ca or 1-866-433-3323.
