Last time I was reviewing an article entitled Seniors and Driving: A Guide. My page then was about how to know when it is time to hand in your keys. This can be a pretty traumatic thing for many people and even some of us who embraced the change – in my case out of fear of killing someone – can have longings to be back behind the wheel. I confess, sad but true, on our last cruise, I kept going back to the bumper cars so I could DRIVE.
Just because you are afraid your driving days have come to an end, though, it may not necessarily mean they actually have. One of the best ways to make sound decisions is to check the facts. A really good way of checking the facts is to go to the experts.
A good place to start would be going to your doctors [Lin/Linda here: notice it is doctors PLURAL Many of you have a team of doctors such as general practitioners, specialists and eye doctors]. A world of difference might be found in a change of medication or a change in a glasses prescription. Make sure you are as healthy and functional as modern medicine can possibly make you.
Oh, and remember, healthy is as healthy does. You have to do your part as far as diet, exercise, avoiding drugs and alcohol…. You know the drill.
After the stops at the doctors, you should probably go to the driving professionals. There is such an animal as a certified driver rehabilitation specialist. If you are too far gone to drive safely, the specialist will tell you so. If you are fine but fighting your family, the specialist can clear you. (“Na na! Told you so.”) If you are somewhere in the middle, you can get some lessons to teach you new skills and eliminate bad habits.
The specialist can also suggest special devices such as more and/or better mirrors or other adaptations. There are states that allow drivers with vision impairment to use bioptic lens systems, if your state is one of those, a driver rehabilitation specialist will be able to help you find resources to explore that option. [Lin/Linda: When you check out these bioptic glasses for driving, you’ll see that they don’t come down over your eyes. They sit above them. You learn to glance into them to better see signs and intersections.]
Although people often fear “the man” in situations like this, your state’s motor vehicles department may be just the place to find support in allowing you to continue to drive and drive safely. Pennsylvania endorses a number of options for older drivers. For example, AAA and AARP both have older driver programs. Other programs endorsed by this state are offered by ADEPT Driver and Improv. I have no idea what these programs are like or in what other states they may be offered, but Pa DMV seems to like them.
Deciding whether to continue to drive or to hang it all up is a life changer. Even though I believe I made the right decision five years ago, I still have days all I want to do is jump in the car and go. My main goal for continuing as a lab rat? You got it. It is the very selfishly motivated goal of some day being able to drive again.
No matter what your decision is, it has a greater chance of being the right one if you check all the facts and investigate all the options. Happy research and good luck!