Driving as We Age
As we age and our bodies change, we face difficult shifts in our abilities. When the body just doesn't work like it used to, the normal activities we've done for decades need a compassionate shift in understanding.
When we first learned to drive, we put in a lot of practice, we made some mistakes, and we always had experts to guide us. Experts at University of Utah Health Sugar House Therapy Clinic specialize in helping drivers in their golden years recognize their abilities, their limits, and their options. They offer these tips to help aging drivers stay safe behind the wheel.
1. Practice and refresh
There are options for those who may just need a refresher course. Impairments in physical function can be improved in careful therapy. In the same way you care for your vehicle with regular maintenance, a physical tune-up with your healthcare professional can provide insight for what improvements might help with alertness in driving.
According to Marc Rosello, MS, an occupational therapist at University of Utah Health, "It's important to see your physician or even a therapist to get a 'body tune-up.'" He offers to key tips to maintain your health: walking every day and stimulating your mind by social interaction and activities." A routine to keep active and moving can minimize cognitive impairment as we age," Rosello says.
2. Be familiar with your vehicle
Be sure that your vehicle itself is also tuned up and running well. It's vital for drivers to be familiar with all the features in their vehicle to improve reaction time and ensure safe operation and handling.
Rosello advises to have someone double-check that your seat is adjusted. There should be proper distance from the steering wheel, and your eyes should be at least three inches above the dash. There are multiple ways vehicles can be adapted and adjusted to provide a driver with a better driving experience.
3. Recognize the warning signs
When the level of confidence a driver has in the driver's seat begins to decline, little things can clue in loved ones if it's time to start discussing a new driving plan. Some of these signs include:
- Riding the brake
- Failing to signal or signaling improperly
- Damage to car from misestimating distances
- Inappropriate speed (usually too slow)
- Unaware of road signs
- Dependence on a copilot
- Challenge in making left-hand turns
- Near misses
- Heightened stress in rush-hour or nighttime driving
- Difficulty maintaining lane or safely shifting lanes
If you start noticing some of these shifts in confidence and ability, start talking about the options above. And if your loved one is reluctant to seek assistance in safe driving, third parties like physicians, therapists, programs through University of Utah Health, and even your local driver's license division can be strong advocates in helping you know your best move.
Ultimately, keeping all drivers safe on the road is the goal. If a trained professional indicates that a driver needs a new plan, it can be extremely helpful to back that decision up with a thorough assessment to not leave any options on the table.