Seniors Site

How to Assess a Senior’s Driving Skills

Generally, when a person reaches the age of 55, things start to change. Unfortunately, the first ones to fail are those important when driving such as your visual and hearing capabilities. This proves to be a hurdle to an older adult’s driving life even if they already spent years behind wheels. Common aging issues usually separate a senior driver from his car, whether they like it or not.

But, seniors are hard to convince and it would be doubly hard if you are hitting the wrong strings. They will defy especially when they are given orders; in fact, resistance is a very common thing when it comes to senior driving. Although we know that it can be dangerous for seniors to still drive around especially if they are already experiencing difficulties with minor chores, and most probably they are aware of that too, you will have to let them decide for themselves.

The quickest way to let them know if they are still safe to drive is by assessing their driving skills. This way, you and the senior in question would be able to establish his or her capability in driving. If he doesn’t make it, he’ll accept your point but if he meets all the requirements then be ready to accept the fact that he can still drive.

The great way to do this is challenge the driver for a little trip around town to assess the senior’s driving skills. If he falters, then something is wrong and he knows it. But assuming that he’ll go for the ride, here are some points you must consider:

·    Notice if he is having some difficulties in switching pedals. Normally, a driver will not lift the whole leg when switching pedals.
·    Vision impairment such as blurring and reduced vision is apparent when the driver couldn’t merge with passing traffic. This means he can no longer gauge the speed of approaching automobiles.
·    Even younger drivers have problems when driving at night, more for seniors with failing eyesight.
·    Notice the driver’s reaction time. This includes sirens, lights, and beeping cars.
·    The driver should be able to stay within his driving lane.
·    Take note of the speed of the car. It should not fall within the recommended speed for the street you are currently in.
·    If the driver often finds himself involved in near-collisions these past few months, then it’s time to hand-over the keys to more capable hands.

Safety when driving should be the number one concern of this assessment, not proving anybody’s point. For the caregiver, understand that it is not easy to give up something that gives a senior the freedom to go places without asking for anyone’s permission. For the senior driver, you should know that it is not only you that your driving puts in danger; the lives of other people who happen to cross your path during your unfortunate driving accident will also be affected.