As we age, our depth perception changes, our reaction time slows, medication might make us drowsy and our eyes are more sensitive to glare. For all these reasons, we might be more of a risk on the road to ourselves and others.
Yet who is willing to give up their car without a fight? The independence it provides is a key factor in many seniors' quality of life and giving it up, for many, is a death sentence.
Currently, medical tests are required every two years for drivers over 80 and if a physician, optometrist or psychiatrist thinks a driver is unfit to drive, they must report it to the superintendent of motor vehicles, who may require further health or driving tests.
Still, there may be times when a conversation may be required to test an elderly relative's resolve to continue to drive. Signs that may prompt this include confusion while driving, anxiety, slow reaction times or damage to a car.
An aging driver might not want to have this talk and it won't be an easy discussion but to protect your loved one, and others, it may be an appropriate one to have.
