How to Tell If a Senior Relative Should Not Drive

Let me start off by saying that, should I live long enough to be a senior citizen, and my driving puts anyone in jeopardy, please tell me. It would be an act of love on your part. Also, our senior citizens are a national treasure. There's no intent to encourage discrimination against Grandma here. But facts are facts, and anyone behind the wheel of a 2,000 lb projectile, and unable to handle the task at hand, is a danger to themselves and others. If you need to address this with someone in your family, remember to approach them respectfully, and from a perspective of concern for their safety.

Senior citizens sometimes have vision problems.
Obviously, vision is crucial to safe driving. If your cherished relative is constantly squinting or needs everything they read in large print, there's an obvious risk of not seeing well enough to drive safely. Speed limit signs and warning messages do no good if they can't be seen by the driver.

Seniors sometimes suffer from delayed reaction times.
There are too many situations on the road which call for fast reactions, mostly involving applying the brakes quickly enough. Even younger drivers just barely respond in most cases. Delayed reactions when not behind the wheel can be a sign of an unsafe driver. Whether the delay is caused by inattentiveness, medical conditions, or the effects of prescription medications, anything which slows reaction time can prove fatal.

Seniors sometimes harbor a secret fear of driving.
While a healthy dose of paranoia while driving could prevent a multitude of problems, if Grandma grips the wheel with both hands, breaks out in a sweat, and drives so slowly that she obstructs traffic, she may simply be scared of driving. Give her a break and offer to drive.

In closing, I'm not suggesting anyone's mobility be limited just because of their age. But sometimes with age, comes certain physical limitations on abilities. Driving a vehicle is a bigger responsibility than most might realize. Until states take the responsibility of requiring re-certification for drivers over 65, it's up to those who care about our senior relatives to lovingly speak up, and be willing to offer a ride when needed.

Sources:

Senior Driving
SeniorGuideOnline (a PDF)