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By Diane Griffith
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Some people can drive safely for a lifetime. Sometimes, though, medications or health problems make driving dangerous. This doesn't always mean that driving needs to stop. It may just mean it's time for some changes.
Signs of unsafe driving
Talk to the doctor if you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one:
- Stopping for green lights
- Switching lanes without looking
- Being confused by traffic signals
- Stopping when there's no stop sign
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Mistaking the gas pedal for the brake
- Unintentionally running stop signs or red lights
- Frequent close calls
- Feeling nervous or uncomfortable when driving
- Having trouble staying in the lane
- Frequent dents from mailboxes, fences, garage doors, etc.
- Being "honked at" frequently
- Trouble turning and looking over shoulder when backing up
- Trouble seeing the sides of the road when looking straight ahead
- Slower response time
Reasons driving may be unsafe
Certain factors can make driving dangerous. They include:
- Hearing problems. You may not hear honking horns, screeching tires and emergency sirens. To check for hearing problems, a hearing assessment should be done.
- Vision problems. Aging causes us to lose the ability to detect sharp borders and changes in lighting. The ability is called contrast sensitivity, and it's a must for driving. The doctor may suggest special tinted lenses, a visor or some type of adjustment to your driving habits. Cataracts can also cause vision problems that interfere with driving. They may require treatment.
- Medications. Medications, such as benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Librium), can affect your ability to drive safely. Ask the doctor about the effects of all medications (even if they're over-the-counter).
- Medical conditions. Many conditions, including arthritis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, can impair movement and response time. A checkup can help assess whether you or a loved one should be driving.
Staying safe behind the wheel
- Take a driving course for seniors or people with disabilities.
- Avoid distractions while driving (cell phones, radios, conversations, food, etc.).
- Drive only at certain times of day, in familiar areas.
- Exercise to stay healthy, and socialize to keep mentally alert.
- Have regular hearing, vision and general checkups.
- Ask about the side effects of medications.
- Change driving styles and make car modifications if needed.
If someone you know needs help
If a relative is not driving safely, do the following:
- Voice your concerns.
- Suggest a driving evaluation or a refresher driving course for seniors.
- Suggest other means of transportation (buses, taxis, etc.).
- Talk to your relative's doctor about the problem.
- If your relative stops driving, make sure he or she gets plenty of support and is given opportunities for social interaction.
When your loved one can no longer drive
If your relative has become a danger, but won't stop driving, follow these tips:
- Talk to your relative. Explain that driving could cause him or her injury or even death - or could injure or kill someone else.
- Talk to the doctor. Ask that a report be sent to the state motor vehicle agency stating that your relative should no longer drive.
- Reassure your relative. Point out that family members and friends will be there to offer rides. Stress that buses, senior shuttles, taxis and other forms of public transportation will also be available.
Talk about savings. Your relative may think public transportation is too expensive. Remind him or her of the savings from gas and tolls, and insuring, maintaining and registering a car each year.
SOURCES:
- Helpguide.org. Senior citizen driving: warning signs and helping an unsafe driver to stop driving. Accessed: 02/12/2007
- American Geriatrics Society. Safe driving for seniors. Accessed: 07/09/2010
View the original When driving is no longer safe article on myOptumHealth.com
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