Driving your own car is all about freedom and independence, but as we get older, our bodies change, and health issues can affect how well we drive. These changes can lead to accidents, getting lost, or not following traffic rules, which can be dangerous for us and others on the road. If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, it’s important to know when it might be a good idea for older adults to drive less or stop altogether.
There’s no specific age when someone should stop driving, and many older adults resist giving up their driver’s licenses. Changes in memory, physical abilities, and the effects of medications can make driving more challenging.
Over time, these changes can mean forgetting where you are, accidentally hitting other cars, running red lights, or stopping when the light is green. That’s why drivers aged 70 and older are more likely to have car accidents.
Because older adults may lose muscle strength, bone mass, and have other physical changes, they can get seriously hurt in a crash. There are several reasons why older adults might need to drive less or make changes to how they drive:
- Changes with age
- Vision changes
- Memory problems
- Health issues
Signs it might be time to drive less or stop may include:
- Other drivers honk at you often
- Getting into accidents frequently
- Having close calls with cars, bikes, or pedestrians
- Drifting between lanes or driving over curbs
- Scratches or dents on your car that you don’t remember getting
- Driving too fast or too slow for the road conditions
- Getting lost, even in places you know well
- Feeling nervous or distracted when you’re driving
- Family or friends expressing concerns about your driving
If you’re an older adult who wants to keep driving safely, there are things you can do, such as talk to your doctor, know your limits, avoid distractions, and plan ahead.
Remember, safety is the most important thing on the road for everyone. Taking steps to adjust your driving habits can help you stay independent while keeping yourself and others safe.