ASSESSING ABILITY TO CONTINUE DRIVING AS WE AGE CAN BE TOUGH
Taking keys away can be difficult, emotional time as a lifelong level of independence is lost
For as long as automobiles have been in existence, they have been symbols of freedom and mobility. As you go through life, it’s only natural that you become reliant on the vehicle for the most basic of tasks, for weekend getaways and for family road trips.
That is why taking the car keys away from an aging parent or relative can be such a traumatic experience.
It brings to a sudden stop what for most has been a lifelong level of independence.
Studies have shown this issue is so significant it can take a toll on the senior’s health, both emotionally and physically.
It impacts their cognitive abilities and also removes them from a regular routine and participation in activities away from the home.
In B.C., beginning at age 80 and every two years afterwards, drivers must be assessed by their doctor and submit a medical report to RoadSafetyBC.
With baby boomers entering their golden years in record numbers, the number of drivers age 65 and older also continues to rise.
However, those same drivers also tend to suffer from a variety of health issues, ranging from arthritis to diminished vision, which can impact their ability to drive safely.
Automakers know consumer trends and it should come as no surprise that they are increasingly offering a wide variety of features that can help seniors — not necessarily to drive longer — but while driving to enjoy a greater degree of comfort and safety.
If you are an older car buyer yourself and helping a senior find a vehicle that suits their needs and addresses some of their challenges, you may want to consider some of the following features or options.
A push-button entry/start eliminates having to use a key that can be a challenge for a driver with arthritis. Likewise, a power remote-operated trunk or liftgate is effortless to use.
Heated seats and steering wheel helps ease joint pain or lower back discomfort, especially when driving for an extended period.
Digital speedometer/ head-up displays feature large readouts that are easy to spot at a glance, even for those with vision problems.
Navigation systems can assist anyone — young or old — to get where they’re going without fear of getting lost. And again, look for a system with large and legible display screen and voice commands.
Rear-view cameras and proximity warnings can give drivers that extra level of assuredness before backing out of a parking space or garage.
Blind spot warning systems use sensors or cameras to alert a driver about the presence of a vehicle to the side or rear that they might otherwise be aware of.
Lane departure warnings alert the driver if a vehicle is inadvertently veering into another lane of traffic.
And auto-braking systems can take over and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or lessen the effects of a crash if the driver isn’t responding quickly enough.
New or enhanced technologies aside, there is no replacement for alert and sound judgment being exercised by every driver. ICBC has some tips to help keep your driving skills sharp that can be found on website icbc.com.
No matter the age of a driver, getting behind the wheel of an automobile carries with it a great deal of responsibility.
As difficult as the prospect of giving up the key may be, if you in any way question your own ability or that of a parent or relative to drive safely, get assessed to ensure you/they are fit to drive.