The Top 5 “Red Flags” For When Seniors Should Stop Driving

I live in Florida — It’s different down here.

I live in Florida, so if you aren’t already aware, let me enlighten you. The criteria for remaining a driver on the road is different down here than in other states. It’s a bit, shall we say, more lenient.

The DMV is strict about passing the eye test (thankfully), but otherwise:

Do you need a cane to steady you while you walk? What does that have to do with your driving ability? Nah, you’re good to drive.

Do you need a walker to balance you and keep you upright to walk? You’re sitting when you are driving. No problem.

Age has collapsed your vertebrae and shrunken your height to that of a ten-year-old? That’s what pillows and gas/brake pedal blocks are for.

Arthritis in your neck has made it difficult for you to turn your head to see cars coming toward you from the left lane? Why do you think they invented blind spot monitors on side-view mirrors?

Slow reflexes? Most seniors will give you the excuse that they “only” go to the grocery store or church around the corner. It’s not like they’re on the highway and need to react quickly. I’ve seen seniors have accidents in grocery store parking lots because they couldn’t react quickly enough, but who am I to judge?

Old people well into their 90’s drive in Florida. Jokes about elderly Florida drivers have filled the file folders of comedians for decades.

I moved here when I was 58 years old and had no trouble with any aspects of driving. I was astounded to see stooped-over seniors slowly exit the driver’s side of the car, take their walker out of the back seat, and push it into the grocery store. ????????? Really?????

I could not imagine how these seniors didn’t realize that it was foolhardy and dangerous for them to be driving.

Due to a series of life-threatening health issues, at the age of almost 75, I moved into an Independent Living Community and reluctantly gave up driving because of my slow reflexes, wobbliness, and difficulty concentrating. Most of the residents of my community are 8–20 years older than me and most of them have cars that they drive. (Our villas come with one-car garages.)

Based upon my observations of elderly drivers and discussions with my elderly driving neighbors, these are the “Red Flags” that signal the end of driving for senior Floridians :

1. Sleeping. No, I am not kidding. Seniors who find themselves nodding off at stop signs and red lights usually take it as a sign that their driving days are over. It’s what happened to my father when he was in his late 80s. After he pointed out the stop sign where he fell asleep, only to be awakened by other drivers honking their horns at him, my sister and I forced him to stop driving. And he didn’t even live in Florida.
2. Heart Failure. If you regularly exhibit symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, it’s time to turn in your keys.
3. Opioid Disorientation. Many seniors are on a lot of pain medication that clouds their brains and makes them incapable of walking, talking, or thinking clearly. Or driving. I have been on these medications and yes, you definitely are aware that you’re way off kilter.
4. Inability to lift their legs. Even seniors will admit that when their legs are too weak to lift into the car, they shouldn’t drive. But only if it’s their right leg. They rationalize that they don’t use their left leg on the pedals, so if that one doesn’t move easily, no problem. They are wrong. The inability to lift either of your legs should be the end of your driving.
5. Death. Up until she died at age 94, my friend’s mother kept her license current and insisted she was able to drive. They lived deep in the country. Her family, with whom she lived, allowed her to drive the long length of the driveway from the house to the street and back to the house to placate her.

Giving up the independence a car afforded me has been a nightmare of inconveniencing friends for rides everywhere, the feeling of being trapped when a banking, shopping, or computer repair issue comes up unexpectedly, and being at the mercy of our Community Villa’s limited van schedule.

However, remember the 88-year-old “conversation partner” I told you about in my story, Could I Have Found What I Was Looking For Right Next Door to Me? The friend who can’t walk two feet without his walker? Did I ever mention that he has a car that he drives?

Our most recent conversation went like this:

Him — You know, I used to see old people driving and think that they shouldn’t — it’s too hard for them.

Me — silence

Him — But you know what — I find that driving is much easier than walking. I can’t stand straight and my back hurts when I walk. I need the walker to steady me. But in the car, I’m sitting comfortably, and it’s easy.

Me — Um.

Him — I’m sure I’ll know when it’s time for me to give up driving, but for now, it’s easy for me. I have excellent eyesight and can still drive in the dark.

Me –Um.

Him — I’m careful and take my time. I’m a great driver.

Me — So, can you drive me to Publix tomorrow?

IMPORTANT NOTE: I treated this subject with humor, but it is serious and can have deadly consequences if not addressed properly. If you question the driving ability of a senior friend or loved one, check the laws with the DMV in your state; have them evaluated by a doctor and the DMV. Do everything in your power to stop them from driving if you are concerned about their safety.

©Joan Gershman 2023

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