Having a driver's license and keys to the car was every teen's idea of independence. When you're a senior adult who has been driving for what seems like a lifetime, that independence could come at a cost. Giving up the keys means changing your lifestyle somewhat, but it doesn't mean that you won't still be able to enjoy life in a different way.
One reason to give up the keys involves safety - yours and the safety of others on the road. Did you know that drivers over age 75 are more likely to have fatal crashes than younger drivers? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed it. So think of giving up the keys as a way to help assure a bit more longevity.
And while you may be helping save lives, you can also save money. The cost of maintaining a vehicle is high -- and that includes not just the cost of the car, gas and routine maintenance but the hefty insurance rates Louisiana drivers pay.
The time to give up the keys may be different for different people. Here are some signs of unsafe driving to consider for yourself -- or for your aging parents:
- Delayed reactions to situations on the road
- Getting lost in familiar locations
- Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions
- Becoming easily distracted while driving
- Unexplained fender benders or scratches on the car
- Difficulty changing lanes
As you think about the right time to give up the keys, remember how easy it is to call a friend or two and share a ride. Consider the bus route options offered by city transportation. And if you're looking at senior-specific communities, check out the transportation options they offer. Life can be a whole lot easier when you leave the driving to someone else!
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