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All of us who drive can appreciate
the tremendous independence that
comes with being able to go any-
where we want, any time we want.
Imagine what it would mean if sud-
denly, you couldn’t drive any more.
The loss of independence is a terri-
ble blow to a senior citizen who,
because of health problems or phys-
ical limitations caused by normal
aging, can no longer drive safely.
Statistics from the federal gov-
ernment show that people under
the age of 75 have relatively low
involvement in car crashes. But this
changes after 75 because these
drivers often have health condi-
tions or take medications that neg-
atively affect their driving abilities,
which can put them and other
highway users at risk.
The subject of whether senior
loved ones are safe behind the
wheel can be sensitive. It can be
hard to approach them to discuss
whether they should modify their
driving habits or give it up all
together. But older drivers and their
families need to be realistic about
their driving skills and openly dis-
cuss them.
The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) sug-
gests these questions to assess a
driver’s risk:
• Do they get lost on routes that
should be familiar?
• Have you noticed new dents,
scratches or other damage to
their vehicle?
• Have they been warned by a
police officer about poor driving
performance or received a ticket
for a moving violation recently?
• Have they experienced a near
miss or crash recently?
• Has their doctor advised them to
limit or stop driving due to a
health reason?
• Are they overwhelmed by signs,
signals, road markings or any-
thing else they needs to focus on
when driving?
• Do they take any medication
that might affect their capacity
to drive safely?
• Do they stop inappropriately
and/or drive too slowly, prevent-
ing the safe flow of traffic?
• Do they suffer from Alzheimer’s
disease, dementia, glaucoma,
cataracts, arthritis, Parkinson’s
disease, diabetes or other illness-
es that may affect driving skills?
If the answer is “yes” to any of
these questions, it is important to
have a caring, sensitive, non-con-
frontational conversation with
them about driving safety. You
might want to go along on a drive
with the person to see for your-
self. Encourage them to have a
vision and hearing evaluation or
to enroll in a defensive driving class
designed for older drivers (AARP
and AAA have them).
The good news is, many older
drivers won’t have to give it up.
Sometimes, altering habits is all
that’s required, like limiting driving
to daylight hours and good weath-
er, or avoiding busy highways and
high traffic areas.
Showing genuine concern and
offering viable alternatives to a sen-
ior driver can take some of the sting
out of the discussion for them.
OLDER DRIVERS
Submitted by the Chelsea, Senior Living
Independent Living
Completion in early 2016
For seniors 65 and over
Reserve your apartment NOW!
Call 908-903-0911 TODAY!
274 K
ING
G
EORGE
R
OAD
W
ARREN
, NJ 07059
WWW
.
CHELSEASENIORLIVING
.
COM
9
One & two bedroom apartments
9
Brand new, modern kitchens
9
Washer & dryer
9
Pre-wired for TV/internet
9
Underground parking
9
Monthly rental, no buy-in required
For your Independent Lifestyle
PAGE 67
Spotlight on
“SeniorS”
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