When should drivers over 70 consider quitting driving?
He still knows the route by heart, he drives the car like he was 30... And yet, he can't help but feel it. What if driving has become risky for him or others?
After the age of 70, certain natural changes in the body can affect driving safety. What signs should you look out for? And how can he approach such a sensitive subject without hurting his feelings? Here's everything you need to know to stay behind the wheel... for sure.
1. Vision: when the eyes don't see as well as they used to
Sight is basically the brain's GPS when driving. And with age, that "screen" can become blurry. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration... These technical-sounding terms describe common eye problems after age 70. The result: road signs are harder to read, contrasts fade, and headlights at night shine like movie spotlights.
What to do:
An annual visit to the ophthalmologist is essential. Updating your eyeglass prescription or limiting your driving to the day may be enough. But sometimes, it's better to hang up the keys... and order a taxi for peace of mind.
2. Memory and reflexes: when the brain slows down a bit
Forgetting a route? Reacting too slowly to a yellow light? It is not always a matter of simple lapses of attention. Cognitive aging can cause memory lapses, difficulty making quick decisions, or even confusion on the road.
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