Did you know that, whether we like it or not, our driving abilities begin to change as we grow older? While many elders are able to drive safely well into their later years, it's important to remain cautious and attentive to any warning signs that could indicate a deteriorating driving ability. If this is the case for you, that doesn't mean you have to give up the keys and your feeling of independence-- but there are some necessary adjustments that should be made to accommodate your changing driving ability.
At La Mirada A-1 Home Care, we provide helpful elder care options to those drivers who aren't ready to give up the keys just yet, but are willing to admit that their driving abilities aren't what they once were. The age-related reasons for a deteriorating ability to handle the rigors of being behind the wheel often include worsened vision, decreased hearing, and slowed motor reflexes that can directly inhibit a senior's reaction time when having to make a quick decision out on the road.
Also, aging leads to reductions in flexibility and coordination, key qualities that you need to be a safe driver. Take a look below at five telling signs that it may be time to give up the keys sooner rather than later-- for the safety of you and other drivers out on the road.
1. Pain or stiffness in your neck-- impairs your ability to look over your shoulder before changing lanes or look around at intersections to make sure there's no other traffic or pedestrians before you pull forward.
2. Leg pain-- makes it harder to switch your foot between the gas and the brake pedals.
3. Feeling of less arm strength-- makes it harder to turn the steering wheel effectively.
4. Slower reaction time-- impairs your ability to see vehicles coming out abruptly from side streets and driveways or to realize in time that the vehicle you're behind has stopped.
5. Inability to keep up with all the road signs-- impairs your ability to split your attention between multiple street commands.
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