Senior drivers often begin to face difficulty when behind the wheel, but it takes some time to figure out when they should completely give up their car keys. So how do you know if your parents should stop driving altogether or if they can still drive for some time? Assess your parents’ driving and make a decision accordingly.
Accompany Your Parents On The Drive
Sit with your parents when they drive, and observe them keenly. Do they appear tensed, worried or distracted? Do they lean forward in their seats or fail to notice road signs? Also observe them when the trip is over. Do they feel too tired? If nervousness hits your parents and they lose focus when behind the wheel, then it would be much better for them not to drive.
See If They Are Reluctant
In some cases, elderly people may become reluctant to driving at night or travel long distances. So for instance, if they are declining social events for the nights or avoiding jammed roads, then they are silently acknowledging their weaknesses, and trying to avoid accidents.
Watch The Reaction Time
How quickly do your parents respond to their environment when on the road? Ideally, your parents should respond immediately to changes in signal light, sudden slowing down of the car ahead and other events on the road. And if this response is being delayed by even seconds, then that’s a cause for concern.
Notice Their Awareness
How aware are your parents of the environment around them? Generally, they should stay in their own lane and not drift too close to nearby cars. Plus, they should also not lose their way in frailer areas.
Inspect The Car
Inspect your parents’ car and look around for scratches and dents. If these are too many, then your parents probably have had driving mishaps lately.