For most Americans, the ability – and freedom – to drive is seen as almost a national right. Driving gives us a sense of freedom, connection, and capability. Giving up that capability is more than a limitation on an individual’s lifestyle; it is a loss of independence … yet one more loss to grieve as aging continues.
Yet as one ages, numerous changes make driving more dangerous:
· Eyesight weakens; the adjustments that need to occur between daylight and darkness cause problems as does glare to eyes experiencing glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
· Hearing diminishes; sirens and shouts are not always recognized.
· Cognition changes; memory, thought processing and attention no longer are as focused. Medical disorders and medications can also have a large impact on cognition.
· Motor abilities falter; strength, endurance and flexibility are reduced, limitations caused by arthritis can also decrease abilities.
· Reflexes slow; reaction time decreases causing what was once a natural response to lessen.
· Medications can impair reflexes, reactions, and response times.
Making the decision to stop driving is never an easy one. Many older drivers will make “accommodations” to continue driving; they will only drive in the daytime, they will only go short distances on familiar routes, or they will make three right turns instead of one left turn. Most elderly drivers decide to stop driving themselves. Others will take an elderly driver’s program, such as the course that ARP offers.
Studies have shown that most elderly car crashes usually involve missing stop signs or turning left in front of oncoming traffic. The facts clearly show that motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of injuries to adults over 65, and the fatality rate for drivers 85 and older is nine times as high as for those age 25-69, and four times higher than the rate for teen drivers. Because older drivers are also more fragile physically, their accidents are more likely to be fatal or their recoveries prolonged and complicated.
What can and should be done if the individual won’t relinquish the keys to the car and they are a hazard to themselves and others?
· Before driving becomes dangerous (and especially if you suspect it already has), hold a family “intervention” between your elderly loved one and all family members. Be unified, concerned, and respectful. Remember that what you are suggesting represents a major loss to your loved one, so you should expect resistance. Be prepared with options for alternate transportation choices so that your loved one won’t feel isolated. Other family members, especially grandchildren, may become beloved chauffeurs that can increase road safety while deepening these relationships.
· If the intervention fails, discuss your concerns with the individual’s doctor, who may prescribe the individual to stop driving or contact the DMV regarding their concerns.
· Contact the state’s DMV with your concerns. Every state is different; some require eye exams, or driving tests. Others will revoke licenses without screening tests.
· Contact an attorney; inquire what the consequences would be if a crash occurs and share that information with your loved one.
· Take away the keys or the car. Some family caregivers choose to disable the car. This may seem harsh but it may also save lives.
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