老年人什么时候应该停止开车?

It can be a difficult and painful task to help a loved one decide that it is time to stop driving. Driving allows older adults to maintain their independence, 但这些好处必须与安全性相权衡. 根据 疾病预防控制中心, drivers 70 years or older have a higher crash death rate than middle aged drivers, and this is primarily due to being more vulnerable to injuries.

Here are some tips that can help you decide if your loved one should stop driving.

评估老年司机的技能和风险

The right time to have an older person stop driving will vary, but t在这里 are 需要注意的迹象 当你做这个决定的时候. Some signs that a driver may be putting others and themselves in danger include:

• 在红灯和标志前不停车或不让行
• 迷失在熟悉的地方
• 不能保持一致的速度
• 刹车太晚或太用力
• Difficulty merging and keeping up with the flow of traffic
• 难以保持在同一车道上
• 频繁脱险
• 死者的车上有凹痕和刮痕
• 压力

Older drivers need to be aware of any possible health issues that may impair their driving. 驾驶的能力可能会受到阻碍 健康状况 如:

• 阿尔茨海默病或痴呆症
• 关节炎
• 白内障
• 糖尿病。
• 青光眼
• 听力障碍
• 黄斑变性
• 帕金森病
• 睡眠呼吸暂停
• 中风

听取老年司机的意见

Just because you haven't discussed a loved one's driving doesn't mean he or she isn't thinking about it too. Perhaps they've noticed more difficulties at dusk — tune into that and set up some one-on-one time. Start with open-ended questions: Ask if friends of theirs have had to give up driving, for example. Or find out if your loved one feels that their vision is changing. Keep an open mind and focus your talking points to reflect your concerns for your loved ones' safety (和其他s who are on the road).

寻求医生的帮助

司机的医生可能是一个重要的资源. They have access to medical records of the driver and are t雨ed in evaluating these types of situations. If you have concerns, tell the driver's physician or eye doctor and be as specific as you can.

医生, 由法律规定, can't share medical information without a patient's permission, but will be able to assess their safety and may help the driver take the correct steps.

制定计划

Solo driving isn't just about getting behind the wheel. It's also about getting groceries when they want or visiting friends no matter the day or time. To help transition into a future that may not include independent driving, help create alternatives. 以下是一些可以考虑的选择:

• Rideshare服务
• 交通由老年中心提供
• 城市提供公共汽车服务
• 教堂或社区交通服务
• 家庭 or friends who can offer rides to appointments or run errands
• Online grocery and pharmacy order and delivery services

你们的对话可能以否认和愤怒开始, 但不要停止关心, 富有同情心的谈话. Avoid confrontation if you can and instead express empathy. One day someone may have the very same conversation with you.

高龄司机安全须知

If you and your loved one decide it is safe to keep driving, 以下是一些你可以与他们分享的安全提示:

• Avoid driving during certain times or weather conditions. 白天驾驶提供了更多的光线和能见度. 在市区开车 雨, 雾 或其他 恶劣天气 可能会增加压力，更具挑战性, so it can be helpful to stay home during bad weather conditions.
• 养成安全驾驶习惯. 系好安全带，避免 驾驶分心 比如用手机练习 防御性驾驶培训 能有助于更安全的通勤吗.
• 考虑汽车的安全功能. 一辆自动变速器的汽车， 备份相机 和其他 安全特性 可以在驾驶时提供一些额外的保护.
• 计划行程. 帮助减轻 通过计划路线，避免压力 高峰时间 or 高速公路 在熟悉的环境中驾驶.

Now that you have read information about seniors and driving, you may want to learn more about 照顾年迈的父母，不同类型的 老年人生活选择 或者有一个 为上了年纪的家庭成员进行财务对话.