Here in the United States, driving is often seen as a symbol of freedom. When you turn sixteen and get your license you are no longer limited to how far your bike can take you, you have the ability to drive anywhere and the world feels like it is at your fingertips. As the years continue your right to drive remains; but, overtime as you age your cognitive functions and physical abilities age and decrease, you may need to take a look at whether or not you should continue driving.
Driving offers many people a feeling of independence, a great way to stay connected with your community, and a means to participate in activities with your family and friends. With this in mind, it is crucial that you recognize that aging and changes in your physical and mental abilities can bring forth challenges that can greatly affect your ability to drive.
In this article our Utah car accident lawyers aim to shed light on the complexities that arise for an elderly driver, as well as how you or a family member can properly assess when it might be time to retire from driving.
Understanding the Risks
Physical Changes
Aging is inevitable and is something that can not be outrun or avoided. As we age there are several changes that happen to our bodies, and the loss of physical capability is the most notable. You may experience changes in your vision, as you may not be able to see as clearly as you used to, as well as in your hearing as it can be harder to hear than it used to be.
These changes can greatly affect your ability to drive a vehicle. It can impair your capability to notice a traffic signal, pedestrians, and notice other vehicles in the vicinity. Your losses in your physical capabilities can also lead to slower reflexes and reduced response time, making it extremely challenging to react if there is a sudden change in the road.
Growing old can also lead to the development of medical conditions such as arthritis or Parkinson’s disease. Diseases like these directly affect your mobility and can make it nearly impossible to properly control a vehicle.
Cognitive Decline
Another change you may experience as you age is your cognitive abilities. Your memory, attention span, and problem solving skills may start to decline and you may find it harder to go about your daily activities.
It can be very difficult to tell if your cognitive functions are declining, but if you feel that you are having trouble remembering things or paying attention you may need to reconsider your ability to drive. Your cognitive functions are critical in driving as you may not be able to focus on driving, recognizing and reacting to hazards, and navigating unfamiliar roads. Developing diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s can significantly impair your ability to function, and if you or someone you know is suffering from them then they should consider giving up driving immediately.
Assessing Driving Ability
Self Assessment
A good way to figure out whether it is time to stop driving is to do a self-evaluation. Regularly look inward to see if you feel comfortable being behind the wheel. An elderly driver should ask themselves whether they feel confident in different driving situations like dense traffic, dark roads, or during rainstorms or snow. If you notice that you are struggling to follow traffic signals, maintain speed limits, or stay in between lanes on the road, then that could be another red flag to stop driving.
Feedback From Family and Friends
Sometimes it is hard for us to admit that we are getting too old to do something we once could do with ease, this is where your family and friends come in. Oftentimes, family members and close friends are the first people to notice a change in your driving abilities. Try and have an open conversation with the people in your life you care about and ask for their opinion.
Driving may feel like a right, and when a loved one suggests giving it up you may feel hurt. Do not let yourself get angry, your family has your best interests in mind and is trying to keep you safe. These conversations are essential as a loved one can provide valuable observations that might indicate that it is time to evaluate your driving capabilities more formally.
Professional Evaluation
If you are still unsure whether to keep driving after self assessment and your feedback from friends and family, consider seeking an evaluation from a professional. A driving assessment specialist or an occupational therapist trained in driver rehabilitation can provide an objective analysis of a person’s driving skills. These assessments will typically review your medical history, vision, reaction time, as well as your actual driving ability.
The Danger of Senior Driving
One of the primary reasons to give up driving as an elderly person is due to the vast increase in danger. For every 1,000 people that are involved in an accident, senior drivers are involved in 96.61 accidents. Driving as your mental and physical abilities decrease greatly increases the likelihood that you are injured and that you may cause an accident.
In 2020 alone over 200,000 people 65 and older were injured in a traffic accident, and seniors over 65 were also involved in 13% of fatal accidents in 2020 as well. Figuring out whether you should keep driving is not just important for your own well being but for all those around you.
Transitioning Away from Driving
The decision to stop driving is an extremely difficult one. Driving is so directly tied with our feelings of freedom and giving it up can be profoundly personal and emotionally challenging. The loss of driving signifies a change in independence that many fear, but it is important to focus on the positive.
Now more than ever before the availability of alternative transportation options can help ease the loss of driving. Public transport, community shuttle services, ridesharing apps, and even family support are viable alternatives that can help you maintain that feeling of independence without the risks associated with driving.
The decision to stop driving can be incredibly difficult and significant in your life. This decision involves balancing our human desire for independence with the knowledge of safety concerns. While this choice can be difficult, taking advice and knowledge you have learned from others is critical in your choice and safety.
For families navigating these discussions, it is important that you approach this topic with empathy, understanding, and support. Remember, it is not about giving up the keys but about transitioning to a new phase of life with dignity and grace.
Here at LifeLaw Personal Injury we empathize with the difficulty of this decision, and our team of car accident lawyers understand the importance of your safety. If you or anyone you know was injured in an accident contact the best car accident lawyers today. Our team of experts will help you navigate this injury with ease so you can focus on what is important, your recovery. For the best car accident lawyers in Utah, contact LifeLaw Personal Injury today for a free consultation and to discuss your options further.