When to Stop Driving: How to Know When it's Time

For many Americans, one of the best privileges that they have is that of operating a motor vehicle. However, as the "baby boomer" generation continues to age and grow in the next few years, a problem with safe driving is also starting to grow. Many senior citizens believe that they have the right to continue to drive even as their reflexes, motor skills, and senses start to decline. Responsible individuals know that the right to drive is a privilege and not a right. Just like anybody else, they are subject to the laws of the land. No responsible citizen wants to be the victim of a major auto accident. They especially don't want to injure someone else.

So if you are a senior citizen, what can you do to protect this privilege of driving? How do you know when it is time to reduce or stop driving on the roads?

The answer to question number one has several answers. First, you can keep your insurance rates low by taking a driving refresher course. It doesn't matter if you drive everyday or once a week. A refresher class does several things. It keeps you up to date on the laws that regulate traffic. It keeps you safe. It helps to keep down the rates of your automobile insurance. It even helps you keep your license. Many States are starting to make it mandatory to take a refresher class and even retest each year after you reach a certain age. Some Seniors think that this is a form of age discrimination. Not really. The State owes it to their residents to help protect them. This is one way to do it.

The answer to question two is a little more difficult. Some people as they get older, know that they could be a contributing problem on the road. So they simply avoid traffic situations by letting someone else drive. If they start having vision problems, they reduce their driving time. They don't drive after dark. They steer clear of congested traffic. Many will reduce the speed that they drive. All of these ideas are helpful tips.

It is the individuals that don't or won't recognize the warning signs that are the problem. If you continuously ride the center line of the highway or cross over it, you have a problem. The same is true about riding the outside line. Either is just as dangerous. Tailgating another vehicle because you don't see very well is also an indication of quiting. Many individuals can see a large object in front of them so they just figure to keep it in sight.

Another indication that it is time to quit is lane usage. An individual that drives at speeds that are too slow are a hazard to themselves and others. They feel that, "well if I just stay slow in this far right hand lane, I will do fine. " This is wrong because it makes other drivers have to pass into ongoing traffic. All you are doing is shifting the burden to other drivers.

Sad to say as we get older, some of us start getting the shakes. For some, it is more than others. This impairs your steering ability as well as reaction time. Reaction time is the time it takes to hit the brakes or steer quickly to the left or right. Both are vital in driving responses. The more reduced this time is, the more unsafe you are to yourself and others.

Memory loss and reduction is another problem. You forget where you are going. You get confused or worst yet lost. You forget the laws used to govern driving responsibilities. If you find yourself going through stoplights or stop signs, it is time to stop driving. The excuse, "I just didn't see it." won't cut it.

Just because you give up the privilege of driving ,isn't the end of the world. Ask someone to take you to the store or for a doctors appointment. Make a day of it and eat out someplace. Always tell the individual what you would like to do while you are out. With gasoline being so high, try to consolidate your trips into one. Get as many things accomplished as you can while you are out. Plan ahead. You will also find that this enjoyable to do with someone else and it will be time saving for you. Not so many trips saves money and gives you the time to do other things at home.

The bottom line is this. When it is time for you to stop, you have to do it. No responsible person wants to hurt themselves or anyone else. It is a part of life that happens to us all.