As our parents age, the topic of their driving ability is an uncomfortable but necessary conversation that many families must face. It’s important for adult children who suspect or know their aging parent has signs of diminished ability behind the wheel to confront the issue to keep their loved one safe from harm. Here are some signs that it’s time for your aging parent to stop driving.

Delayed Responses

When an elderly parent begins to experience delayed responses while driving, it can be a warning sign that their physical and mental abilities are starting to deteriorate. Slower reaction times can lead to difficulty controlling speed and accurately judging distances, potentially putting drivers on the road in danger. Slower response times when completing tasks, such as responding to emergency braking situations or reacting to pedestrians in crosswalks, are other signs your parent may need to give up driving.

Impaired Vision

Impaired vision is another telltale sign that it’s time for your aging parents to stop getting behind the wheel. Elderly drivers may have difficulty seeing in low light or poor weather conditions. This issue can be a major safety risk if they drive at night or during inclement weather, such as heavy rain and snow, when visibility is significantly reduced. Furthermore, elderly individuals may also experience difficulty tracking moving objects, leading to issues such as misjudging the speed of oncoming vehicles and resulting in accidents.

Trouble Hearing

Elderly drivers may also have difficulty hearing warning sounds or instructions when driving. With age comes a diminished sense of hearing. This hearing loss can be especially dangerous for those behind the wheel as it can prevent them from hearing important cues such as horns honking, brakes screeching, or emergency vehicles approaching from behind. If they fail to react in time due to an inability to hear, it could lead to an accident.

Getting Lost

Getting lost can be an unfortunately common occurrence for many elderly drivers. As people age, their cognitive abilities decline, leading to difficulty remembering directions and finding their way around unfamiliar places. This issue can often lead to them taking wrong turns or missing important exits while driving, potentially putting themselves and other drivers in danger. One of the common mistakes to avoid as a family caregiver is to allow your parents to continue driving when it is no longer safe. For these reasons, it’s important for adult children of elderly parents who are concerned about their parent’s ability behind the wheel to discuss these issues openly with them.

Vehicle Damage

Frequent dents, scratches, or dings on a vehicle can indicate that an elderly driver can no longer safely operate a vehicle. Minor accidents over short periods are also potential warning signs that their cognitive and physical abilities are declining as they lose focus and control while behind the wheel. Older individuals may find it difficult to maneuver around larger objects such as parked cars, curbside garbage cans, street signs, and more, as these obstacles require more precise movements to avoid. Difficulty navigating tight spaces combined with slower reaction times could result in them hitting something accidentally.

Now that you know the common signs that it’s time for older adults to stop driving, you can talk with your parents today. Be kind during the conversation and help your parents to understand the safety risks involved.