INSURANCE

Q: My father is almost 80. While he hasn’t had any accidents, I’m wondering if he is too old to drive? I’ll see him at Christmas so I plan to talk to him then.

A: Discussions about limiting a person’s driving can be a touchy subject. A person’s age is important, however it should not be the only yardstick you use to measure your father’s ability to drive safely. Here are some other factors for you to take into account: 1. What kind and how many different medications is your father taking? A recent study found that nearly 50% of older adults who drive use seven or more medications, with many taking medications that can cause blurred vision, fatigue or clumsiness. According to a study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, inappropriate medications can increase the risk of a crash by up to 300 percent. If you have concerns about your father’s medications, talk to his physician about their potential side effects.

2. Is your father physically active? Does he have any physical conditions including arthritis that restrict his flexibility? Lack of fitness and flexibility can make it more difficult for a person to turn the steering wheel, move their foot quickly between the gas and brake, or turn to check blind spots. 3. Have you noticed any hearing loss that would make it difficult for your father to notice horns, sirens or children at play? Has your parent been getting their vision checked on a regular basis? 4. Has your father fallen in the past year? Recent research has established a definite correlation between falls and older driver crash involvement. According to an article published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, older adults that have fallen two or more times in the previous year may be at a higher risk of being involved in an at-fault car crash. 5. How are your father’s cognitive abilities? Is his memory sharp? Continuing to drive while ignoring noticeable memory decline can lead to tragedy, either through a car accident, or by unknowing becoming an excellent candidate for a victim of crime. Many older adults have already taken steps on their own to make sure they remain safe drivers. They limit the times they drive to non-rush hour times. They stay off the roads if weather conditions are unfavorable. And, they stick to familiar routes. Your concerns may be alleviated if you take a drive with your father at the wheel.

If you still have concerns, there are a number of organizations including KeepingUsSafe.org who will work with you and your father to assess his driving abilities and offer practical solutions. AAA and the Ohio DMV can also provide you with strategies to address this topic.

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist