Avoid heavy traffic areas or rush-hour driving when you can. Start braking early when you need to stop. 
Leave more space between you and the car in front of you.Parkinson's disease or limitations following a stroke can make it no longer safe to drive. Loss of feeling or tingling in your fingers and feet can make it difficult to steer or use the foot pedals. Stiff joints or weak muscles also can make it harder to move quickly. You might find that you have a shorter attention span, making it harder to do two things at once. Slower Reaction Time and ReflexesĪs you get older, your reflexes might get slower, and you might not react as quickly as you could in the past. Learn more about driving safety and Alzheimer's disease. Work with the doctor to let the person know it's no longer safe to keep driving.
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Family and friends need to monitor the person's driving ability and take action as soon as they observe a potential problem, such as forgetting how to find familiar places like the grocery store or even their home. People with dementia often do not know they are having driving problems. But, as memory and decision-making skills get worse, they need to stop. In the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia, some people are able to keep driving.
Try to keep the inside of the car as quiet as possible while driving. Discuss concerns you have about hearing with your doctor. Have your hearing checked at least every 3 years after age 50. Hearing loss can be a problem because these sounds warn you when you may need to pull over or get out of the way. Try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset, when the sun can be directly in your line of vision.Īs you get older, your hearing can change, making it harder to notice horns, sirens, or even noises coming from your own car. Cut back on or stop driving at night if you have trouble seeing in the dark. If you need glasses or contact lenses to see far away while driving, make sure your prescription is up-to-date and correct. Ask if there are ways to improve your eyesight. If you are 65 or older, see your eye doctor every year. Depending on the time of the day, the sun might be blinding.Įye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as some medicines, can also cause vision problems. Glare from oncoming headlights or street lights can be a problem. At night, you may have trouble seeing things clearly. It may take longer to read street or traffic signs or even recognize familiar places. It might be harder to see people, things, and movement outside your direct line of sight. Your eyesight can change as you get older. Think about getting hand controls for both the gas and brake pedals if you have leg problems. Be physically active or exercise to keep and even improve your strength and flexibility. If possible, drive a car with automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and large mirrors. See your doctor if pain, stiffness, or arthritis seem to get in the way of your driving. These changes can make it harder to turn your head to look back, turn the steering wheel quickly, or brake safely. Arthritis, which is common among older adults, might affect your ability to drive. Stiff Joints and MusclesĪs you age, your joints may get stiff, and your muscles may weaken. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about your health and driving. Have you been worried about your driving? Have your family or friends expressed concern? Changes in your health may affect your driving skills over time. 
Sheila wonders how she can stay safe behind the wheel.
She's noticed a few new dents on her car and doesn't know how they got there. Do You Have Concerns About an Older Driver?Īt age 78, Sheila thinks she's a good driver, but, this year, she's had a minor accident and several near misses.
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