Each of us has differing levels of driving ability and that skill may not be determined by our chronological age. What we need to consider is performance with the vehicle on the road. Here are a few indicators that a driver may be experiencing diminished capacity for driving safely:

• You notice that the driver is having a series of near misses or minor crashes and they have become more frequent.
• Their thoughts have begun to wander and they have a difficult time staying focused on the task of driving.
• When the driver is unable to read road signs, or misses them all together.
• While in the car with another driver you notice that other drivers honk at them frequently.
• You realize that they become lost on roads that were once familiar to them.

So, how do we stay on the road longer? Many senior adults are able to retain their driving skills very well as they advance in years. In some cases they remain in the driver’s seat longer by taking advantage of programs and services that help them sharpen their skills. Driver refresher courses offered at private Driver Education schools and imposing a self-limitation on their driving like not driving on the freeway or at night.

Who decides when to stop driving? If you find yourself or others in one or more of these situations, do an honest evaluation and ask if there is a dangerous situation being created when you drive. Maybe it’s time to improve your driving skills, maybe we can help.