The Good Life

5 Signs You Should Stop Driving Today!

3 min read

•

Apr 1, 2021

As you grow older, watch out for the signs to stop driving. For the safety of your own life and that of your loved ones, know when its time to surrender your driver’s license and enjoy the passenger seat instead.

Most of you must have spent a vast majority of your life behind the wheel for day-to-day activities. However, studies consistently show that driving gets riskier with age. Old age-related physical and cognitive conditions make driving difficult and life-threatening. But, how do you know when it’s time to limit or stop driving? In this blog, we have listed a few warning signs of unsafe driving:

1. Problems with hearing or vision

From accurately reading the speedometer, detecting pedestrians and animals, to hearing horns and other sounds – good driving requires good eyesight and hearing abilities. Older eyes are more susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma, and other problems that impair vision. Moreover, hearing loss can happen gradually, without the aging person realizing it. This deformity can make driving dangerous and risky. So, if you experience vision or hearing loss, get your eyesight and hearing abilities checked with your doctor. If your physician detects any concerns, ensure you stop driving immediately.

2. Stiff joints and muscles

If you have stiff joints and muscles, avoid driving. Joint pain and stiffness can make it harder to do basic driving functions, like turning the steering wheel quickly, turning your head to look back, applying a brake, etc.

Moreover, when you are driving, you are in a prolonged static position. This can worsen the stiffness and discomfort in your body, particularly in your knees, shoulders and low back. So, be honest with yourself about your physical capability and ensure you limit or stop driving when needed to avoid any mishaps.

3. Symptoms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease

If you have mild dementia or Alzheimer's signs, discontinue driving immediately. With such illness, you might often have trouble following the directions, the lanes, signals, etc. You may even feel agitated and confused while in traffic or even get lost. So, understand your sense of responsibility towards your own health and avoid putting your life at risk at this stage.

4. Slower reaction time and reflexes

Driving requires processing large amounts of information simultaneously, e.g., external information from other drivers, road signs, traffic lights, watching people walking around, etc. An average driver should not only be able to process all this information in one-go, but should also be able to react to any action happening around. Smart driving also requires you to respond appropriately and quickly to any road hazard without being involved in it, or causing an accident.

Any driving behavior that increases the amount of time taken to react, or reduces the amount of time available in which to react, places you at higher risk of a serious car accident. So, if you find that your reflexes are getting slower or if you are experiencing similar issues – stop driving!

5. Undergoing strong medication process

Many drugs cause drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, tremors or other side effects. Some medicines can also make you feel sleepy and intoxicated all the time. This could affect your judgment, concentration and reaction while driving. Even herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications have possible side effects. So, if you are under strong medication – stop driving to avoid accidents.

It's important to know that getting older doesn't make you a bad driver. Instead, it’s the age-related changes that can affect driving skills. So, even if you have a lifetime of driving experience behind you, ensure you limit or stop yourself if you come across the above issues. Look for the warning signs and seriously think about whether or not you are still a safe driver. Talk to your doctor about any changes in your health. It will help you live a long, safe and a happy life.

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