One of the most difficult issues for seniors and their families is deciding when it is time to stop driving. At a recent resource fair held at Mount Auburn Hospital for CAH members, we were given a list of warning signs for older drivers. The driving behaviors are ranked from minor to serious. Many of the less serious issues can be remedied by changes in driving behavior or physical fitness while the more serious issues may require immediate action. Changes in driving behavior should be tracked over time to get a clear picture of overall driving ability. It was suggested that you keep notes about what driving issues are experienced and how frequently.
Here is the list of warning signs:
1. Decrease in confidence while driving
2. Difficulty turning when backing up
3. Riding the brake
4. Easily distracted while driving
5. Other drivers often honk horns
6. Incorrect signaling
7. Parking inappropriately
8. Hitting curbs
9. Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage
10.Increased agitation or irritation when driving
11. Failure to notice important activity on the side of the road
12. Failure to notice traffic signs
13. Trouble navigating turns
14. Driving at inappropriate speeds
15. Not anticipating potential dangerous situations
16. Uses a "copilot"
17. Bad judgment on making left hand turns
18. Near misses
19. Delayed response to unexpected situations
20. Moving into the wrong lane
21. Difficulty maintaining lane position
22. Confusion at exits
23. Ticketed moving violations or warnings
24. Getting lost in familiar places
25. Car accident
26. Failure to stop at stop sign or red light
27. Confusing the gas and brake pedals
28. Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason