To Drive or Not to Drive: Older Drivers have Alternatives
Like any activity requiring mental and physical agility, driving skills are likely to diminish with advancing age. When elderly drivers begin to pose a risk to themselves and others,
it may be time to turn in the keys. But that’s often easier said than done.
This issue really hits home on Cape Cod, with our very large senior population and a number of widely-publicized accidents involving older drivers.
Driving represents independence, the ability to come and go at will — for example to the medical office, the movies and the mall. Driving skills can vary widely among elderly men and women, and the thought of getting out from behind the wheel is often met with strong resistance from them. How do you know when it’s the smart thing for you – or your elderly parent – to do?
The most common warning signs are deteriorating vision, diminished concentration and slow reaction times. Others include driving too slowly or too fast, misjudging distances and frequent close calls. Tickets or warning citations
should also raise a red flag.
Quitting “cold turkey,” however, is not the only option. Changes to driving habits can often help keep elderly drivers
safely behind the wheel. Common-sense changes include refraining from driving at night and staying on familiar roads
near home. It’s also wise to avoid rush hour, busy intersections and major highways.
In addition, AARP offers refresher courses for older drivers at a number of senior centers across the Cape. These classes can be very helpful, according to Ellen Ford, Director of the Chatham Council on Aging, who usually schedules them twice a year. They are open to residents of towns besides Chatham. The classes cover rules of the road and recommend specific ways older drivers can improve their skills. “The classes are very supportive and nonjudgmental,”
Ford said. “There are no tests.” To find out when the next class is, call the Chatham COA at 508-945-5190.
If you or a loved one are approaching the drive/no drive crossroads, please consult with your customer service
representative at Eldredge & Lumpkin.
We may be able to help steer you in the right direction, based on our long experience with generations of customers whom we also count as friends. Please call us at 800 945-1840.
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