WARNING SIGNS OF UNSAFE DRIVING

Issues with Health

Conflicting medications

Many medications can interfere with safe driving by slowing reaction time, causing drowsiness and confusion and can also affect the senses and reflexes of the individual. (Layton, 2013)

Eyesight problems

Eyesight conditions may interfere with your ability to focus your peripheral vision and may cause extra sensitivity to light, trouble seeing in the dark, or blurred vision.  (Layton, 2013)

Saisan et al, 2013, recognizes that it is important for the Elderly to ask themselves the following questions:  

Can you easily see traffic lights and street signs?

Can you react appropriately to drivers coming from behind or the side?

Hearing problems

When hearing decreases you miss out on important cues to drive safely.

Can you hear emergency sirens?

If someone is accelerating next to you?

Honking of a horn?

Problems with reflexes and range of motion

Can you react quickly enough if you need to brake suddenly or quickly look back?

Have you confused the gas and brake pedals?

Do you find yourself getting more flustered while driving, or quick to anger?

Is it comfortable to look back over your shoulder, or does it take extra effort?

Problems with memory

Do you find yourself missing exits that used to be second nature, or find yourself getting lost frequently?

Health problems can make driving very dangerous for elderly people and for everyone else on the road. Recognizing the danger signs is the first step in solving the problem of unsafe drivers on the road. 

References

Layton J. (2013) How does the aging process affect driving ability. Retrieved from
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/aging/aging-process/age-and-driving.htm

Saisan, J., White, M., Robinson, L. (2013). Age and Driving. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/senior_citizen_driving.htm