Archive for July 22nd, 2010

Posted on July 22, 2010 - by Nurse Virginia

WHEN THE ELDERLY SHOULD NO LONGER DRIVE, HOW TO TAKE AWAY THE CAR KEYS

(Part II)

As people age they start to change their driving habits. The elderly start driving slower, drive during daylight hours while most people are working, and try to avoid left hand turns and crossing traffic. (Even so statistics tell us that 28% of accidents involving elderly drivers were due to left-hand turns) Taking these self imposed adjustments into consideration, when you study statistics it is surprising that there is such a high amount of accidents involving the elderly.

The reported statistics could also be skewed by the under reporting of accidents by the elderly. One need only drive around an area like Boca Raton, Florida, to see the many fender benders on cars driven by an elderly person, that haven’t been fixed. Crash statistics are generated from reports by the DMV as well as insurance companies. Many people can attest to the elderly person who has hit their car and begged them not to report it, so it won’t go against the elder’s insurance.  And, the elder who decided to pay for the damage on the other person’s car then forgoes having their own car fixed.

Added to this is the fact that when the elderly driver is in an accident they are three times more likely to be the one hit, then the one to hit someone else.  This of course due to incorrect turns, changing lanes inappropriately or just weaving back and forth in their own lane, slow reflexes and generally doing something unsafe in front of another moving auto, causing the elder to be hit.

Why is it so difficult for family members to stop their elder from driving? Giving up the privilege of driving represents a very hurtful change for both the elder as well as the family. No one wants to see their parent get old. This is the person who taught you to drive and probably helped you buy your first car.

I read recently where a woman said of her father-in-law. “My father-in-law can hardly walk, has trouble following a conversation, falls asleep at the drop of a hat, has serious reaction time issues and yet he is still driving. Frankly I am afraid he is going to kill himself or someone else.” But as she continues, she seems to be looking to the government to step in with some regulations that will stop him from driving. Some kind of new law mandating driving tests for the elderly. Who should bear this responsibility?

Virginia Garberding R.N.

Director of Education, The Wealshire, Lincolnshire, Illinois

Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance

www.pleasegetoknowme.com