According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers over the age of 70 cause more vehicular deaths than every other age group, except for drivers under the age of 20. Clearly there is a need to be attentive to the driving abilities of our aging friends or family. What should you do if you feel you need to take the keys for the safety of your loved one and for the safety of others? Driving is so closely connected to a feeling of independence and freedom, even broaching the subject can be highly emotional. It will help to have other options…
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Ride along: Take a rides with your parents and observe their physical ability in controlling the vehicle, staying within the lane, how turns are handled, the driving speed, ability to scan from left to right, any visual susceptibility to glare, and for any possible confusion in traffic. Check the vehicle: Periodically and without fanfare, check the outside of the car for any possible dents or scrapes. Accompany your parent at least once to every medical specialist and service or treatment center and, and have him or her sign a release of confidentiality (HIPPA) form. This will ensure that you are…
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However, a person's age is not a justification for removing there keys. Seniors in their 80s and 90s can drive safely, while others in their 50s and 60s are dangers to themselves and others. However, seniors get the blame for bad driving. The most driving-accident-prone age group is 15 through 19. Your parents losing their independence, by removing the car, can be devastating to them. However, if physical and mental condition impare their ability to drive, you have to act for their and others safety. Here are some indicators: Vision: Your parent's optometrist or ophthalmologist can identify vision problems, limitations, concerns…
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Your biggest concern, are they safe and making smart decisions before driving. Your aging parents have independence through driving, and it is problematic to remove this. However, they will have changes in their vision or hearing. Therefore, their safety is of the utmost importance. Review the following video from ABC News.
Your biggest concern, are they safe and making smart decisions before driving. Your parents have independence through driving, and it is problematic to remove this. However, they will have changes in their vision or hearing. Therefore, their safety is of the utmost importance. So here are some key driving tips. Make Sure They Regularly Have Their Vision and Hearing Checked In Maryland, seniors do not have to take regular driving tests to continue to have a driver’s license. Therefore, it’s important that regular hearing and eye checks are performed. If their hearing and/or vision deteriorates, this creates a slower response…
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