With advancing age, driving can become a source of difficulty and concern for senior citizens. While some continue to drive safely, others experience a decline in their sensory, motor or cognitive abilities, which can affect their driving. It is essential to assess these changes and take action to prevent driving-related risks.
Signs that an elderly person is unfit to drive
What are the risks on the road with advancing age? There are a number of signs that may indicate it’s time for an elderly person to reduce or even stop driving. These include
- An inability to concentrate on the road.
- Increasing anxiety about driving.
- Frequent errors, such as trajectory problems or prolonged hesitation.
In these cases, medical advice may be required to assess driving ability. Significant loss of sight or motor impairment, for example, may be grounds for suspension or restriction of a driver’s license.
Declining motor skills
Aging is often accompanied by a decline in physical ability:
- Osteoarthritis or other joint disorders that reduce the range of motion required to maneuver a steering wheel or operate pedals.
- Muscular weakness in the upper and lower limbs, making it more difficult to apply the brakes or steer the vehicle.
These limitations increase the risk of errors, especially in situations requiring rapid reactions.
Cognitive disorders and their impact on driving
The decline in cognitive abilities, linked to age or specific pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, can alter several functions essential to driving:
- Slower information processing: Delays in understanding or analyzing complex situations (e.g., a busy intersection) can lead to delayed or inappropriate decisions.
- Difficulty performing multiple tasks: Driving often involves performing several actions simultaneously, such as watching the mirrors while changing lanes.
- Planning difficulties and errors of judgment: These problems can lead to dangerous decision-making, such as engaging in a maneuver without properly assessing the risks.
Longer reaction times and their impact on driving
Reaction times increase with age, particularly in complex situations. This can have an impact on driving, such as incorrect use of the pedals (brake or gas pedal) or prolonged hesitation. These slow-downs can have serious consequences, especially in urban environments where quick decisions are crucial.
In addition, the older we get, the more drugs we consume. You should therefore refer to the package leaflet of any medication prescribed, or ask your doctor if the side effects of your treatment are incompatible with driving a vehicle.
Sensory abilities in decline
– Vision
Vision, essential for safe driving, changes with age:
- Reduced adaptation to darkness: Transitions between light and dark areas become more difficult, increasing the risk of night-time accidents.
- Reduced field of vision: A narrowed field of vision may prevent detection of peripheral hazards, such as a pedestrian or a vehicle approaching from the side.
- Reduced visual acuity: Difficulty distinguishing close objects or important details (such as a traffic sign) can compromise safety.
Accidents at intersections, for example, are much more frequent among drivers with reduced visual fields, illustrating the importance of this function.
– Hearing loss
Hearing loss can also have an impact on driving. Difficulty in hearing essential sounds, such as horns, sirens or audible vehicle signals, can increase risk. To compensate for these deficiencies, hearing aids may need to be worn, and a mention made on the driver’s license.
Assessing and supporting senior citizens to ensure safety for all
It’s crucial to support older people in assessing their driving ability, while taking into account their need for autonomy. This can include regular medical check-ups, cognitive assessments, or advice on adapting driving (reducing night-time journeys, limiting driving to familiar areas, etc.).
While driving remains a symbol of autonomy for many older people, it is important to recognize the potential risks associated with aging. Collective awareness and appropriate measures can help maintain safety on the roads, while preserving the dignity of senior citizens.
A few tips for adapting your driving behavior
- Avoid driving under stress
- Drive with someone who can take over,
- Agree to be driven if necessary, or use public transport,
- Prepare your itinerary well and be well rested,
- Do not be under the influence of medication that impairs alertness,
- Do not overeat or drink alcohol,Take breaks at regular intervals,
- Choose an adapted vehicle with easy access to controls, such as an automatic gearbox.
Published by the Editorial Staff on