The North American population is aging and there are more and more senior drivers on our roadways. Some of these older drivers are a risk to themselves or other road users because they have lost the ability to drive safely. If you have an aging parent or other relative who drives a vehicle, the situation may be an urgent concern for you. How do you know whether your loved one is still a competent driver?

<b>Ability, not age, is the deciding factor</b>

Age alone is not a risk factor. There is no reason to force every driver who turns 75, 80, or some other arbitrary age to hang up the car keys. However, there are many medical and behavioral conditions associated with aging that impair driving ability. As the relative of an older driver, you have a responsibility to watch for warning signs. The best way to see if there is a problem is to go for a ride with the driver. Alternatively, you could follow in your own vehicle. There is no need to tell your relative that you are checking out his driving skills.
 
<b>The red flag warning signs </b>

Watch the driver for any failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs. Reacting to signals and stop signs is automatic behaviour for any driver, especially one who has been driving for many years. The loss of automatic driving behaviour is a serious warning sign of diminished ability. A driver who is not obeying traffic controls is at high risk, right now, of getting into a collision or causing other vehicles to crash. If you see this problem, don't allow your relative to continue driving. 

Watch the driver to see whether he always checks for cross traffic and correctly yields the right of way. These behaviors require the driver to comprehend moving traffic patterns and then respond appropriately. Repeatedly failing to yield the right of way is extremely dangerous behavior. An older driver making this type of error is at immediate risk and should be prevented from driving.  &nbsp;

<b>Other warning signs</b>

There are many other warning signs of an unsafe older driver. These include:
<ul>
<li>Driving well below the speed limit without cause</li>
<li>Frequently getting lost, even on familiar routes</li>
<li>Not paying attention to other road users or hazards</li>
<li>Failing to stay in lane when going straight or turning</li>
<li>Stopping or slowing down inappropriately (at green lights, for example)</li>
<li>Driving aggressively</li>
<li>Involvement in several fender benders</li>
<li>Comments about unsafe driving from people close to the driver</li>
</ul>

In day to day life, watch for medical and behavioral issues like decreased vision and hearing, significant memory loss, confusion, fatigue, decreased mobility, dizziness, poor judgment, indecisiveness, and loss of coordination, among others. Any of these can put an aging driver at risk.  

<b>Monitor the situation</b>

Even if your loved one is currently able to drive safely, it's important to keep tabs on the situation. Go for a ride with him or her occasionally. Talk to neighbors, friends, and other family members about how they think this person is driving and ask them to call you if they see a problem. Take note of changes in the older driver's physical health, behavior, mood, or mental quickness. Look for signs of collision damage on your relative's vehicle (or new paint that might be covering up damage from a crash).

It's difficult for an elderly driver to give up the freedom and independence that driving a vehicle represents. He or she will have to make lifestyle adjustments, find alternative ways to travel, and rely more on other people. The impact of taking an aging driver off the road may be felt by the whole family. Remember, though, that you have a responsibility to your loved one and to other people sharing the road. Allowing an unsafe older driver to keep driving can have serious and perhaps fatal consequences.
 

Tags & Keywords :