Traffic Safety (5)
That translates into better risk assessment and the ability to navigate challenges. They’re less likely than younger drivers to drink and drive, speed or ignore road signs.
And seniors today are healthier than ever before, and most are operating safer vehicles. Still, an aging mind and body can compromise driving safety. Dexterity, flexibility and reaction time decline as we get older. Age-related health challenges that can impair driving ability include arthritis, glaucoma, hearing loss, cognitive decline and dementia.
It is true older drivers carry certain risks. But before taking aways an older relative’s car keys, we need to understand the adverse consequences of “driving retirement.” They include increased social isolation, depression and loneliness, all of which are linked to poor health and a shorter lifespan. Of course, age itself isn’t a reliable determinant of when people should stop driving. People in their 80s who are physically fit and drive often can be better drivers than 60-year-olds who are out of shape and drive infrequently.
I had a talk with my dad, and he’s promised never to go farther than the grocery store, to stay off the highway and not to drive at night or in bad weather.
But such comments can be a red flag that maybe it’s time to stop driving altogether. Competent driving is a skill that requires practice to maintain-the less you drive, the good you are at it. “Use it or lose it,” as the saying goes.
All of us need to understand that driving is not a right. We need to be aware that things change as we get older, and that includes our level of driving skill.
