Driving is often associated with independence. The freedom that comes with being a licensed driver is frequently noted when newly licensed motorists receive their driver’s license. But the sense of independence that comes with being a licensed driver affects all motorists, including seniors.

Many seniors have spent half a century or more behind the wheel. That history undoubtedly makes it hard for aging drivers to give up their keys if factors beyond their control start to threaten their ability to drive safely. In such cases, family members may need to step in and make tough decisions about driving for their aging relatives. Before that decision is made, families can watch for various signs that a loved one might no longer be safe behind the wheel.

  • Frequent accidents or near misses
    The National Institute on Aging states that aging drivers involved in multiple vehicle crashes or near misses may no longer be safe to drive. Even drivers who are not at fault in an accident might have been able to avoid involvement if not for diminished driving abilities. The NIA indicates that slower reaction times and reflexes are two skills that can decline over time, increasing the likelihood of accidents among aging drivers.
  • Vehicle damage
    An aging driver may show signs of diminishing driving abilities through new dents or scrapes on their car. The NIA notes that common age-related health issues, such as stiff joints, muscle stiffness, and visual difficulties, can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. When these problems arise, drivers might struggle to navigate areas such as parking lots and narrow streets with insufficient shoulder space. This can result in vehicle damage, such as dents or scrapes.
  • Increase in traffic tickets:
    The NIA indicates that two or more traffic tickets or warnings within the last two years suggest that drivers’ skills are declining.
  • Anxiety about nighttime driving and other motorists:
    Aging drivers who feel anxious about driving at night might no longer be safe to operate a vehicle, especially after sunset. Some older drivers stop driving at night, suggesting they may still be able to drive safely during the daytime. Additionally, drivers who experience anxiety or frequently complain about other drivers’ behaviors, including their speed and decision-making in situations like lane changes, may be facing reduced driving skills.

There’s no set age when older drivers should stop driving. However, families can watch for signs that an aging driver may no longer be safe behind the wheel.