THE DANGERS OF DRIVING WITH DEMENTIA

WHEN SHOULD AN ELDERLY PERSON STOP DRIVING?   

There is no specific age when an older person should stop or limit driving. This complicated decision should be based on ability, cognitive and physical, rather than age. Many elderly people are not aware their driving skills are deteriorating, or they may be in denial.

Caregivers or family members should watch for one or more of the following signs:

• Delayed reaction time, slower reflexes
• Getting lost or forgetting the route to familiar locations
• Anxiety about driving
• Difficulty changing lanes or staying in the correct lane
• Hitting curbs when making right turns or backing up
• Increased scratches or dents on car, garage or mailbox
• Frequent close calls while driving
• Driving too fast or too slow for road or weather conditions
• More than one accident in a short time period
• Two or more recent moving violations
• Health issues or medications that may affect driving ability

Recommended reading:  Why Michigan Car Accident Victims Need Unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

WHICH CONDITIONS MOST COMMONLY AFFECT DRIVING ABILITY?

• Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
• Problems with hearing or vision
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Medications that cause drowsiness or slow reaction time, such as ability, such as anti-anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, opioids and other pain killers and sleeping pills

WHAT CAN FAMILY MEMBERS DO WHEN AN ELDERLY PERSON BECOMES A DANGEROUS DRIVER?

If the person exhibits one or more of the above signs, or you are not comfortable riding in their car or letting them drive your children, it is probably time to take action.

Here are some tips from various aging experts and organizations on the best ways to help an elderly driver relinquish the car keys:

• Plan ahead
  • When possible, discuss the issue with the elderly person before their driving becomes dangerous. Develop a plan that includes finding local transportation options after they stop driving.
• Be compassionate
  • Many elderly people equate driving with independence, so be sure to broach the subject kindly and sensitively.
• Suggest interim measures
  • Some elderly people can continue driving safely with certain limitations, such as keeping trips short and avoiding highways, night driving and inclement weather.
• Focus on safety
  • Appeal to their sense of responsibility, emphasizing the goal is to keep them safe and avoid endangering others on the road.
• Enlist a third party when needed
  • If the person refuses to stop or limit driving, ask their physician to intervene
• Request a Driver Evaluation from the Michigan Secretary of State
  • Any concerned party can request an evaluation for another driver, including doctors, attorneys, friends or family members

FATAL CRASHES INVOLVING OLDER DRIVERS INCREASE OVER PREVIOUS YEAR  

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fatal crashes per miles traveled begin to increase around age 70 and peak at 85 and older.

In addition, fatal accidents involving older drivers (age 60 and above) rose 7 percent last year, with the largest surge (11 percent) in the 75 – 84 age group.

SAFETY TIPS FOR OLDER DRIVERS

• Get regular eye exams and always wear your prescribed glasses or contact lenses when driving
• If you need hearing aids, wear them to ensure hearing car horns, sirens and other traffic sounds
• Stop or limit night driving if you have trouble seeing after dark
• Avoid distractions such as cell phone conversations or loud music
• Leave ample space between your car and the vehicle in front of you
• Avoid driving in hazardous weather or rush-hour traffic
• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or taking medications that can cause drowsiness or affect reflexes
• Consider getting a professional driving assessment or taking a driver refresher course

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