AAA reports that 8 out of 10 seniors suffer from arthritis that can make turning and twisting hard to manage. Almost as many are also on prescription medications that cause troubling side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. Seniors don’t often realize that driving after taking these medications is risky.
In 2016, the Federal Highway Administration reported there were approximately 33 million drivers in their 60s, 17 million in their 70s, and 7 million in their 80s and 90s. Statistically, around 794 senior citizens are injured in vehicle crashes each day. Around 20 elderly passengers or drivers are killed in these crashes.
This often leads to the question “when should you take your parent’s keys away?” There is no specific age. Statistically, the highest rates of vehicle crashes occur after the age of 80. But, every driver is different. What’s important is to frequently assess your parents’ driving habits and skills and make that decision. If you can’t do it on your own, enlist your local DMV or driving school to help you out.
What Should You Look For?
-When your parents are about to drive, note how easy they get in and out of the driver’s seat. Twisting can be a problem if there is back pain. Cars that are lower to the ground can be harder to get out of than a taller truck or SUV.
-Once your mom or dad is in the driver’s seat, see if they check and adjust mirrors. When backing up, do they check blind spots? Do they seem to have a hard time turning far enough to properly check blind spots?
-Do your parents do the speed limit or drive too slowly and obstruct traffic? Are they able to see and react to signs correctly? Do they follow the car ahead of them too closely? Do they brake at the appropriate time?
-Make sure your parents are properly checking blind spots before merging into traffic. How are their reaction times? All of those situations indicate driving may not be ideal anymore.
-One more thing to do is talk to your mom and dad’s doctors. See if their vision is still okay for driving. Are the medications they take going to lead to side effects that affect their ability to drive?
How Do You Tell Your Parents to Stop Driving?
You’re going to be met with resistance in most cases. Prepare yourself for the anger and frustration. Most seniors panic because they see the loss of driving as a loss of freedom and independence. Make sure they know that they’ll still be able to go out often.
Your parents may not be able to drive, but that doesn’t mean they need to stay trapped at home. Senior care aides offer a range of services that include transportation. Let caregivers drive your parents to stores, museums, theaters, and more. Call now to discuss rates and services offered by your local senior care agency.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Goodyear, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings for Seniors Companion Care at (623) 594-0819
Sources:
Seniordriving.aaa.com
Cdc.gov
Fhwa.dot.gov
Crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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