Taking care of an elderly parent or relative sometimes includes setting limits. It may be awkward to tell your mother or father that they need to stop driving, but it may eventually be necessary.
Guard your parents’ safety and that of others on the road by looking for these signs of unsafe driving.
1. A recent accident or traffic ticket
Inquire carefully about the circumstances of any recent accidents or traffic violations. If it is clearly the fault of your parent, and out of character, something may be wrong. Don’t be tempted or talked into brushing off a minor incident now at the risk of a more serious occurrence later.
2. Vision or hearing loss
Vision loss that cannot be fully corrected with prescription lenses is a clear indication that it may be time to stop driving. Hearing loss is a little trickier. Many deaf or partially deaf individuals are able to drive. However, sudden hearing loss is difficult to adapt to and your parent may be unable to notice dangerous situations.
3. Slowing reflexes
Our reflexes slow naturally as we age, reducing our ability to respond to potential accidents and erratic drivers. Pay attention to how quickly your parent is able to react to everyday situations, and determine if their reflexes could be a concern while on the road.
4. Getting lost on familiar roads
This can happen because your parent is genuinely confused, or because they are becoming more easily distracted while driving. This can be especially dangerous in inclement weather or at night.
5. Agitated driving
Driving while upset has been shown to be about as dangerous as driving while under the influence. If your parent struggles to keep their emotions in check on the road, possibly out of frustration with their own driving abilities, you should talk to them.
If you notice any of these signs with your parent, it may be time for a difficult, but necessary, conversation.
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