How aging affects your driving: Safety tips and when to give up the keys From time to time everyone feels nervous while driving. But as you age, situations that make you nervous — be it difficulty seeing at night or feeling that all the other motorists are passing you — tend to occur more often, putting you and others at greater risk of having an accident.
Getting older doesn't mean your driving days are over. Take control and understand how your body's limitations can affect your driving. Plan ahead and take simple steps to avoid dangerous situations. Use this information to help you stay safe on the roads and recognize when it's time to limit your driving or turn over your keys. The effects of an aging body As you age, your muscles generally become weaker, your joints stiffen and your flexibility decreases. Your reflexes begin to slow as well. The accumulation of these effects makes certain elements of driving more difficult — turning the steering wheel, accelerating or braking, looking over your shoulder and making quick maneuvers, for example. In addition, your hearing and vision, particularly your night vision, tend to decline. Impaired hearing may impede your ability to hear an approaching emergency vehicle or train. Common vision problems that can interfere with driving include: - *Cataracts.* A cataract is a clouding of the lens of your eye. Cataracts cause your vision to become blurred or hazy. Cataracts may also make you more sensitive to light and glare, making it more difficult to drive at night. - *Glaucoma.* This group of conditions — characterized by abnormally high pressure inside your eyeball — causes diminished peripheral vision, which makes it more difficult to see a pedestrian or vehicle approaching from the side. - *Macular degeneration.* This condition causes you to lose the central portion of your field of vision. Without central vision it becomes harder to see other cars or pedestrians coming toward you. The effects of an aging mind You might also have a harder time concentrating and reacting quickly as you get older. That means it's harder to make split-second decisions in some situations, such as in high-speed or congested traffic. Changes in your mind might even cause momentary confusion or faulty decision making. The effects of medical conditions Many medical conditions that occur more frequently in older adults can limit your ability to drive. Some examples include: *Alzheimer's disease* Alzheimer's disease, a disorder that causes memory loss, can cause slower reaction times, problems judging space and distance, and a diminished ability to plan ahead. It can also put you at greater risk of getting lost, being confused by divided highways and one-way streets, and being in an accident. *Arthritis* Painful joints can limit your ability to look in rearview mirrors, look over your shoulder, grip the steering wheel and bend your knee to step on the brake. *Diabetes* Diabetes, a blood sugar disorder, can damage the nerves in your hands, eyes and feet. This can slow your reaction time and limit your vision. And, if your blood sugar levels drip too low, you may feel dizzy or shaky, become confused or even lose consciousness. *Parkinson's disease* Parkinson's is a neurological condition that causes rigidity, slowed movement and tremors. These may affect your ability to turn the steering wheel and make quick movements. *Stroke* A stroke is caused by an interruption in blood flow to your brain. This damages brain tissue and may cause balance problems, diminished vision and loss of muscle control on one or both sides of your body. The effects of medications Many older adults take one or more prescription medications. Prescription drugs and many over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness or a slow reaction time, particularly when combined with other medications. As you age, you become more sensitive to these effects. Medications that might cause drowsiness include antihistamines, sedatives, drugs that treat depression and diabetes, and strong painkillers. Read the labels of your medications so that you know what to expect from each one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your concerns. What you can do to protect yourself Aging inevitably affects driving, but you can take measures to protect yourself and others when you're behind the wheel, including: - *Have your vision and hearing tested regularly.* Ask your doctor how frequently you should schedule examinations. - *Know your medications.* Ask your doctor if any of your medications could affect your driving and, if so, whether other options are available. - *Stay physically fit.* Physical fitness improves strength and flexibility, which helps such actions as turning the steering wheel and looking over your shoulder. - *Check your blood sugar levels.* If you have diabetes and problems managing your blood sugar, check your blood sugar level before getting behind the wheel. - *Drive under less stressful conditions.* When possible, drive during the daytime, in good weather, on less busy roads and in familiar areas. Avoid distractions such as adjusting the radio, eating or talking on a cell phone. - *Plan your route in advance.* This allows you to concentrate on driving, not navigating. - *Update your vehicle.* Features such as large mirrors, good visibility, power windows and door locks, and automatic transmission may help you overcome any physical limitations you may have. And you may find a bigger car easier to get in and out of. - *Update your driving skills.* Organizations such as AARP offer refresher courses for older drivers. - *Avoid alcohol when driving.* Alcohol has a greater effect on older adults. Completely abstain from alcohol if you know you'll be driving. And if you've had anything to drink, don't drive. When to give up the keys: See the signs Driving is an essential part of most people's daily lives. Unfortunately, despite efforts to adjust for aging, you may reach a point when retiring your car keys is in your own and others' best interest. But knowing just when can be a tough call. Some signs are more obvious. You might find yourself involved in preventable accidents, receiving an increased number of traffic tickets or warnings, or riding with passengers who feel unsafe. But sometimes the signs may be more subtle. Consider driving less or giving up the keys entirely if you or someone else notices that you're consistently: - Moving too slowly on the highway - Failing to come to a full stop at stop signs - Being inattentive - Making erratic moves - Reacting too slowly - Being honked at by other drivers - Missing traffic signs or signals or being uncertain of what they mean - Getting anxious at busy intersections, being unsure what to do or being afraid to drive - Upsetting your passengers, who may refuse to ride with you By understanding your limitations as a driver, you can better prepare for driving or perhaps giving up driving altogether. Listen to your friends and family. If they suggest you cut back on your time behind the wheel, they're only doing it with your best interests in mind. Talk to your doctor about how your health may affect your driving.
