As our global life expectancy increases, there are a growing number of older adults on the road. By 2030, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65.
Fatal crashes per mile traveled increase at age 70 and peak at age 85 and older according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. If you’re having doubts about your own driving abilities, you may want to start taking extra precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
When Should an Older Person Stop Driving?
There’s no universal age at which someone should stop driving, but as you enter your Golden Years, you may start to notice signs that your driving abilities aren’t what they used to be.
At age 85, even healthy individuals experience notable declines in mobility and reflexes. This is why 85 is the recommended average age that seniors stop driving.
While it’s typical for older adults to experience changes in health, these changes can have a real impact on your ability to be a safe driver. Here are some things to look out for when evaluating when to give up driving.
- Slower Reaction Times. For older adults, it takes longer to react to things such as other cars, stoplights and pedestrians. Breaking early and leaving more space in between you and the car in front of you can help account for slower reflexes.
- Decline in Vision. Common vision problems in older people include trouble with nighttime driving, inability to read street signs, struggling with the glare from headlights or street lights and difficulty detecting movement out of your direct line of sight. Make sure you’re getting your eyes checked regularly, and if you have glasses, always wear them when you drive.
- Trouble Hearing. Loss of hearing can make it difficult to hear noises like sirens, car horns, children playing or even noises from your own car. Combat this by getting your hearing checked every few years and keeping the inside of your car quiet while you’re driving.
- Muscle and Joint Stiffness. As your muscles weaken and your joints stiffen, it can become more difficult to operate the steering wheel, press the gas and brake pedals and move your head while you drive. Practice range-of-motion exercises to keep your joints mobile.
- Other Health Conditions. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s and dementia can impair your driving, so consult with your doctor if you’ve received any new diagnoses. The medications you take have the potential to impact your driving as well. Pay attention to the labels for any warnings about side effects or for any interactions between your medications that may make driving unsafe.
Signs You Are Too Old To Drive
If you’re wondering when to give up driving, here are signs that may influence your decision to reduce or reconsider being behind the wheel. Answering yes to one or more of the following questions may indicate a need to explore some options of alternative transportation for seniors.
- Have people close to me expressed concerns about my driving?
- Do I often get lost or distracted while driving?
- Do I confuse the gas and brake pedals or struggle to move between them?
- Do I drift into other lanes or make sudden lane changes?
- Have I noticed an increase in my anxiety around driving?
- Have I been pulled over, swiped other cars or gotten in accidents recently?
Driving Services for Seniors
The good news is that even if your driving has become unsafe and you’ve decided it’s time to stop driving, seniors can still maintain independence without having to drive. From personal drivers to rideshare apps, you have options when it comes to transportation for seniors.
- Public Transportation. If you live in a city with a public bus system, light rail or subway, this can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. However, steps or stairs might cause issues for those with mobility concerns.
- Uber or Lyft. Got a smartphone? Download the Uber or Lyft app and get a ride with the tap of a button. Ridesharing apps allow seniors to travel without paying attention to a schedule. This method of transportation includes safety measures like the ability to view your driver’s license plate number before you get in the car. If you don’t have a smartphone, a local taxi service is a great alternative to find rides for seniors.
- Home Aide. If you have the means to hire a personal aide, you can coordinate with them to set up a schedule to run errands and attend any appointments or meetings. This allows you to develop a routine and a relationship with someone who knows your preferences.
- Volunteer Programs. Some nonprofits have programs of volunteer drivers that give rides for seniors. Your friends and family will likely also be willing to step in to give you occasional rides. It never hurts to ask!
Stay Safe With Americo Senior Life
A senior life insurance policy offers another equally important type of safety. For help with senior life insurance, see if you could be approved for a policy within minutes by getting a free online quote today. Or, to see more helpful tips and advice for seniors, visit our resources page.