Safe Driving Guide for Older Adult Drivers
The Federal Highway Administration reports that nearly 30 million licensed drivers in the U.S. in 2019 were aged 70 and older. There are more senior drivers than ever on the road, and that number is expected to expand due to the large baby boomer population growing older. Driving can help older people stay mobile, independent and connected to their loved ones and communities.
Signs that an older individual may have become unsafe behind the wheel are abundant. Straddling or drifting into other lanes, braking or accelerating without reason and ignoring or missing stop signs are all markers of unsafe driving. Excessive “close calls” or small dents or dings can signal minor incidents that preclude tragedy. And older drivers themselves may feel increasingly uneasy behind the wheel: fearing highway or night driving, getting lost in familiar neighborhoods or experiencing growing anxiety behind the wheel.
Seniors often show warning signs that driving is no longer safe for them and others. Beyond accidents and moving violations, these are signs you should keep an eye out for:
· Failure to stop or yield at signs or traffic lights.
· Unable to recognize the right of way.
· Failure to keep track and recall speed limits.
· Forget to signal when making a turn or changing lanes.
· Routinely getting lost, especially in familiar areas.
· Inconsistency with controlling speed.
· Difficulty recognizing the distance between vehicles and other objects.
· Difficulty merging and switching lanes.
· Frequent “near-misses” that could cause accidents.
· Experience road rage, anxiety and stress while driving.
5 Tips for Family Members on How to Be Supportive
If you have concerns about an elderly adult's ability to drive, promptly addressing them could be a matter of life and death. Any delay could mean an automobile accident that result in a serious injury or death.
Plan ahead
Consider developing a plan on how you can best approach the subject with the elderly driver. Take time to assess how the situation will look from the driver's perspective and what driving means to them, as driving for many may mean a sense of independence. Plan your conversation for a quiet time during the day when you and the driver are both relaxed and rested.
Use reflective listening
Reflective listening, which means rephrasing what a speaker has said, shows support and encouragement and can help the speaker gain a better sense of insight into their experience. This communication style will encourage a speaker to keep talking about their worries and reflect upon them — an essential step in working through significant problems and transitions.
Check on other issues affecting driving
If a loved one acknowledges they’re having difficulty driving, find out the specific concerns. Schedule appointments with their regular physician and eye doctor. Consider asking about medication, side effects and drug interactions. A change in prescription or a stronger pair of glasses can improve their driving.
Aid the transition from driving
You can support your loved one through this transition in several fundamental ways. You can listen to their concerns with a sympathetic ear, share driving memories, watch for signs of depression and be present — either through encouraging them to keep up social contacts or offering to help them sort out their transportation needs.
What to Do if You Believe an Older Person Should No Longer Drive
While not all states have restrictions on license renewals, all state departments of motor vehicles have an office where a family member or doctor can make a referral about a driver who may be unsafe on the road. Claimants must have the driver’s name as currently shown on the individual’s license, their date of birth, current address and an explanation of why you believe their driving to be unsafe (for example, specific medical conditions, observations or incidents). In some states, concerned family members may be able to make this referral anonymously. The state office will then investigate the claim, and the driver in question may have to take a road test.
Source: Written by Tracy Collins Ortlieb, Money Geek, 5/6/2021 https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/resources/senior-driving-guide/#safety-and-maintaining-independence
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