Mature Driver: Warning Signs and Dangerous Coping Mechanisms

Warning Signs and Dangerous Coping Mechanisms

that may signal the need to have the older driver assessed by a professional

Warning Signs:  Some of the warning signs of unsafe driving include: (see photo)

We can’t really judge driving ability based on a single warning sign—instead, look for a pattern of warning signs, or rather, the extent that a warning sign poses danger to the community. 

Ask drivers about their own comfort with driving.  Ask the driver if they occasionally:

·         Feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed about driving?

·         Feel that cars come out of nowhere?

·         Find that other drivers are frequently honking at them?

·         Feel sleepy or less alert when they drive?

·         Think traffic is unexpectedly speeding by them?

Dangerous Coping Mechanisms:

There are two dangerous coping mechanisms of unsafe driving that are important to take note of:

Ø  Driving too slow or too fast. Driving too slow  may indicate that a person is

compensating for their reduced reaction time. Driving too fast may be due to their fear of being perceived as driving too slowly — they may drive faster to avoid being noticed for driving too slowly—or—they may not be aware that they are driving fast.

Ø  Using a “copilot.”  Some older couples rely on “copiloting” — which occurs when one

person steers and the other person instructs the “driver” what to do when the driver is

unable to respond in an unexpected situation. This is not a case of “two heads are better

than one.”          Anyone who cannot drive without a copilot should not be driving.

If you are noticing any of the above situations, it may be time for an assessment by an occupational therapist who is a certified driver rehabilitation specialist.  These professionals are qualified to perform driver assessments and offer clinical driving assessment (vision, reaction time, strength, decision-making, cognitive ability, and self-awareness); on-road evaluation; safe driving training; driving rehabilitation; adaptive equipment; and driving modifications.  You can search for local professionals through the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, http://www.driver-ed.org.

Need a little extra assistance?  Ensemble of Care offers customized senior transportation in Lake County, call us for more information!  (800) 974-1323 or visit us on the web: http://ensembleofcare.com/senior-transportation.php