4 Signs It’s Time for Your Loved One to Quit Driving

They Get Confused on the Road

When driving with your loved one, pay attention to how they navigate the roads. Do they take circuitous routes to familiar places? Do they take wrong turns or get flustered by speeding cars or bright headlights? These could be signs of confusion on the road.

Confusion on the road does not necessarily mean there’s a serious underlying issue, but it may mean driving poses a risk to their safety. It takes only one accident to lead to serious consequences.

They Misinterpret Traffic Signals

As any driver can tell you, missing a stop sign or accelerating on red can have deadly consequences. Pay close attention any time your loved one fails to follow a traffic signal, whether it’s a light or sign. Even if you’re unable to drive with them, you may notice a higher frequency of parking tickets.

There is a variety of reasons a person may misinterpret traffic signals; perhaps they’re having trouble reading the signs properly or they simply fail to notice them. Either way, these types of mistakes are a surefire sign your loved one can no longer drive safely.

Their Car Shows Visible Scuffs or Dents

Because driving is a means of independence for many, your loved one may keep their struggles from others in order to maintain their sense of freedom or out of natural human feelings like embarrassment. If you are still concerned about your loved one’s driving, take measures such as inspecting their car for damages. Dents or scratches on the hubcaps or bumpers can be signs of difficulty parking, merging, or reversing. If your loved one has trouble or is unable to remember where the damage came from, it may be time for a more serious discussion.

They Express Nervousness About Driving

The extreme noise and movement involved with driving — particularly in big cities — can be extremely stressful and cause older adults to become confused or otherwise impaired. That may already seriously affect our loved one’s driving, even if they do not know how to express it.

Your loved one may still drive often, but refuse to take highways or drive in traffic or inclement weather. Avoiding driving at night or in bright sun can signal deteriorating vision. It’s good for seniors to be self-aware of their limitations, but continuing to drive while possibly impaired only delays an inevitable accident.