I can still remember the day when I found myself cringing to every turn and sharp exits my mom made, she was 70+ years old then. That was also the day I firmly put my foot down and made her surrender the keys. Fortunately for me, she was more than ready to do so and was just too proud to ask to be driven around. I was ready for a bout of tantrums from her and actually found myself disappointed as I wasn’t able to do what I had been practicing all along.

Now, it’s my turn apparently. My son has been hinting and I’m not insensitive to such suggestions however, in my case, surrendering the key is out of the question. I still have kids to drive around and elderly parents who always need a lift to and fro their doctors, plus there’s nobody to take over the job if and when I decided to give up driving. And, no, I’m not quite ready yet.

So I snooped around, primarily to find something to convince my son that my driving is not at all, a threat to humankind, I just need to consult my eye doctor for new prescription glasses, that’s all. And yes, to convince myself too that I am still fit to drive.

First off, experts suggest that you do a self-assessment. This means you should test your responses when driving. Were you able to maintain an adequate speed without feeling pressured or indeed dizzy? Were you NOT squinting just to see road signs and exit marks? Were you NOT easily confused when driving such that the gas and brake pedals become one big blur? If you think you won’t be able to give a truthful judgment, then have someone ride with you and tell you the truth. Below are some more indicators to know if you are still fit to drive:

•    Are you having difficulties with your seatbelt? Fastening and adjusting it can be tricky. If you’re having difficulty with it then you are putting yourself in great risk.
•    Have you been missing traffic signs and signals? This is bad as the driving population depends on these lights. Missing one can put you and everybody else in danger.
•    Slow reaction time. This one you cannot determine by yourself. You need someone to ride with you and tell you so.
•    Too many cars honking their horns.. at you. This is their way of telling you that you’re blocking their way.
•    You find yourself involved in one too many collisions this year. Then you are really a threat to mankind.