Warning Signs
Know when to limit or stop driving
By: AARP Driver Safety Program | Source: AARP.org | | April 26, 2006
Most people want to continue driving as long as they can do so safely. However, for many of us, the time comes when we must limit or stop driving, either temporarily or permanently. What are the warning signs that indicate someone should begin to limit driving or to stop altogether?
- Almost crashing, with frequent "close calls"
- Finding dents and scrapes on the car, on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, or the like
- Getting lost
- Having trouble seeing or following traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings
- Responding more slowly to unexpected situations, or having trouble moving your foot from the gas to the brake pedal; confusing the two pedals
- Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps
- Experiencing road rage or having other drivers frequently honk at you
- Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving
- Having a hard time turning around to check over your shoulder while backing up or changing lanes
- Receiving traffic tickets or "warnings" from traffic or law enforcement officers in the last year or two
If you notice one or more of these cautionary signs in a loved one who is driving, you might want to register him or her for a driver-improvement course, such as the classroom or online courses offered by the AARP Driver Safety Program. You may also want guidelines for speaking to friends and loved ones about their driving.
Finally, a program developed by The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab helps drivers and their loved ones to recognize warning signs. It also helps families initiate productive and caring conversations with older adults about driving safety.
It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have concentration or memory problems, or other physical symptoms, which lessen your driving ability.
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