Nobody likes to depend on other people for their transportation. Everyone likes to have their own car which they can drive wherever and whenever they want. However, as we age, our body goes through various changes. One of the most difficult changes that older adults have to accept is that they need to give up their car keys at one point in their life.
Most older people suffer visual and physical problems. They no longer have the same reaction time and judgment ability as younger ages. Giving up your car keys is never easy, but it becomes important when your life is at stake. Meanwhile, if you were hit by an old driver, you could receive compensation. Contact a car accident lawyer today.
Signs you need to stop driving
- Vision problems.
It is essential to be able to see to drive safely. If you have vision problems like glaucoma or macular degeneration, your vision will be obstructed, endangering others on the road. You may also face difficulties checking the blind spot. People with osteoporosis leading to curved spines may often find it difficult to turn around to check behind the vehicle.
- Slow reflexes.
As you age, your reflexes become slower, which leads to slower responses while driving. When this happens, you will face difficulty keeping the pedals straight. These issues can cause potentially disastrous consequences, especially if you mistake the brake with the accelerator.
- Physical limitations.
Your body suffers from dexterity issues and a reduced range of motion as you age. Lack of mobility and added chronic pain can interfere with your ability to check the mirror, use turning signals or stay in the right lane. You may also face issues in hearing and vision.
- Concentration issues.
You can become distracted and struggle to concentrate while driving, leading to road rage. You may also face difficulty in identifying the road markers. If you find yourself suffering from these issues, you may go to your doctor for a quick checkup, and they will tell you where the problem lies.
- Unable to remember routes.
As you age, your memory power may deteriorate. This can cause you to become lost easily, even on routes you once knew by heart. It not only depicts potential cognitive decline, but you will also wind up in distress and avoid asking for help in an unknown area.
- Anxiety.
Older adults usually get anxious at night, and driving may add more trouble. There are several reasons for getting anxious, like blurred vision, tiredness, difficulty spotting other vehicles, mixing up the brake and acceleration pedals, etc.
If you are experiencing some or all of these signs, it is time you finally give up your car keys. It is better to let someone else drive you rather than getting involved in a life-altering accident.
