Driving a vehicle and having the ability to run errands and be responsible for one’s own transportation provides a strong sense of independence and drastically improves quality of life. Therefore, it is a privilege that we wish to be able to maintain as long as possible. Everyone ages at a different pace and experiences different disabilities and ailments, so there is no set age at which a senior should be banned from their driving privileges. It is very possible that we can operate a motor vehicle well into our golden years. “We believe driving safety is a function of driving ability, not age,” Jake Nelson, director of traffic safety advocacy and research of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says. “What counts most is your medical fitness to drive.” There are many precautions we can take and things to look for to help extend this sense of freedom for as long as is safe.
Some of the most common skills that can become difficult for senior drivers are making left turns, driving in the dark, merging into traffic, changing lanes, yielding to traffic, following traffic signals, and impaired driving due to the effects of medication. Other risk factors for seniors include visual decline, loss of hearing and motor skills, and chronic conditions that limit mobility.
It is important to understand the various conditions that can impair our ability to drive, and to know what specific conditions one may need to treat before getting behind the wheel. A stiff neck can make it difficult to look over your shoulder and change lanes. Leg pain can prevent you from being able to quickly transfer your foot from the gas to the brake pedal. A decrease in arm strength or wrist flexibility can affect your ability to turn the wheel efficiently.
Regular medical check-ups are crucial for seniors to maintain their ability to drive safely on the road. It is a priority to have regular eye exams. This is necessary to determine whether or not your vision is diminishing to the point where road signs may become unclear, or where it may even become difficult to see other vehicles or pedestrians in the distance. Regular hearing tests are important, as drivers need to be able to hear horns from other cars and sirens from emergency vehicles.
Precautions that can be taken in order for seniors to continue operating a vehicle include possibly altering your schedule so that you are not driving during the busiest parts of the day, such as during the after-work rush hour, or avoiding high traffic and high speed paths such as freeways. An automatic safety improvement occurs if senior drivers agree to only drive during the day, since nighttime presents some of the most dangerous driving conditions due to the increased chance of experiencing impaired vision in the dark.
Ideally, senior drivers should choose vehicles that come equipped with features that will help enable them to drive comfortably and therefore safely. This includes vehicles that make entry and exit easy for less limber drivers. Avoid coupes that tend to sit low and have extra heavy doors that are difficult to manipulate in a cramped parking lot. This also rules out trucks and SUV’s that are too tall and would require climbing and jumping. Look for vehicles that feature tilt steering wheels and power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, as well as those that feature comfortable seats and offer multi-position adjustments and lumbar support for aching backs. Heated seats are also a great feature as they can help ease sore joints and lower back pain that often accompanies long drives. The Nissan Altima is a great choice as they have recently introduced zero-gravity seats that were designed to benefit posture based on NASA research.
Vehicles that feature extra-large gauges are great for drivers coping with vision problems. Look for large, digital speedometers over the conventional needle gauge that can make it more difficult to discern your speed. High-intensity headlamps should definitely be a priority for seniors with vision loss.
Arthritis is an ailment that often affects the elderly and can definitely increase driving challenges. Arthritis can make it difficult to turn a key as well as other potentially painful hand movements. For stiff fingers, one can opt for a pushbutton ignition, such as in the Audi A8, to avoid the uncomfortable twisting motion of starting the engine using a key. Drivers struggling with arthritis should look for thicker steering wheels, and sometimes even heated wheels, which can help to make your grip more comfortable and controlled. The Lincoln MKX crossover SUV boasts a dashboard mounted pushbutton gear selector, an excellent feature to consider for seniors experiencing vision loss, that hasn’t been seen in vehicles since the 60’s. In addition, seniors should avoid cars that have touchscreen displays and an excessive amount of dashboard controls to help limit distractions while driving. The Toyota Avalon Sedan, Honda Accord Sedan, Ford Taurus Sedan, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan are all excellent choices for elderly drivers that contain a variety of features such as extendable sun visors, high power adjustable seats, large dashboard controls, and backup assist cameras.
If you have a loved one who you fear should be turning in their driver’s license, think about how to approach the conversation with them. Emphasize that for their safety and that of others on the road, it may be time for them to change their habits or even consider other transportation options. They may need to agree to avoid freeways, or to refrain from driving at night. They may need to always have a companion with them.
A great option to consider for seniors in a metropolitan area is public transportation, which is an excellent way for seniors to maintain their independence while taking the control of the vehicle out of their own hands. The spread of car services like Uber and Lyft are making it easier than ever for seniors to get out and about without the need for excessive pre-planning or having cash on hand. If you live in a more rural area, do some research on public transportation for seniors. Even some small cities and towns offer daytime shuttle buses for seniors to run errands and get out of the house.
If seniors stay on top of regular medical check-ups, remain aware of any limitations that may make driving difficult, and equip themselves with the knowledge on how to best cope with these conditions, they may be able to extend their driving career. If you are concerned about your loved one’s driving abilities or other functioning, contact us at Eldercare Services, and one of our Professional Care Managers can discuss your situation further and conduct a complimentary assessment of your senior’s needs.