Most older drivers believe that they will know when they should stop driving. But giving up their car keys, along with one’s independence and the many benefits of owing a car, is often one of the most difficult decisions an older person must make. While driving skills vary from one elderly person to another, there are physical and mental changes that accompany aging, which can diminish the abilities of elderly drivers. These can include a slowdown in reflexes, muscle strength and agility; vision and hearing impairments; drowsiness due to medications; and reduction in alertness.

“Many elderly drivers adjust their driving habits as their abilities diminish,” says Carolyn Gorman, Vice President of the Insurance Information Institute. “They drive fewer miles, avoid complex intersections and stay off interstate highways. But some older drivers are unwilling to make the necessary changes, endangering the lives of themselves – and others,” she said. “We know that based on per-miles driven, crash rates for seniors are far worse than any other age group except for the youngest teens.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2002 there were 19.9 million licensed drivers age 70 and older in the U.S., yet they accounted for 12% of traffic fatalities, 12% of all vehicle occupant fatalities and 16% of pedestrian fatalities. Collision rates per mile driven increase after age 70 and increase more rapidly after age 80.

Signs That It Might Be Time To Retire From Driving
Caretakers should watch for decisive signs of decline in the elderly person’s driving abilities such as:

• Drives at inappropriate speeds; responds slowly or doesn’t notice other drivers or pedestrians.
• Fails to yield to other cars or pedestrians who have the right-of-way.
• Ignores street signs and traffic lights.
• Fails to judge distances between cars correctly.
• Becomes easily distracted; appears drowsy, confused or frightened.
• Has one or more near accidents.
• Drifts between lanes or bumps into curbs.
• Drives without headlights on.
• Has difficulty with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, or other bright objects.
• Has difficulty turning their head, neck, shoulders or body while driving or parking.
• Ignores signs of auto mechanical problems such as low-inflated tires (a frequent cause of accidents).
• Not strong enough to turn the wheel quickly in an emergency situation.
  Gets lost repeatedly, even in familiar areas.

If you feel strongly that your parent or family member cannot drive safely and will not stop, consider contacting the local Department of Motor Vehicles and report your concerns. The IDOT may do nothing more than send a letter, but this might help convince your parent to stop driving.