As we age, our ability to drive safely can diminish due to declining vision, slowed reaction times and other age-related changes. Recognizing when it’s time to stop driving can be a challenging decision, but it’s a crucial one for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are 15 questions that can help with decision-making.
Can you see road signs, traffic signals and other vehicles clearly?
Do you have difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions?
Have you experienced changes in your vision, such as blurriness or blind spots?
Can you hear horns, sirens and other sounds while driving?
Do you have physical limitations, such as limited range of motion or weakness?
Do you have a medical condition that may impair your driving ability?
Are you able to react quickly to unexpected situations on the road?
Are you taking medication that may affect your ability to drive safely?
Have you experienced lapses in memory, confusion or disorientation while driving?
Are you able to follow directions and make decisions quickly and accurately?
Have you been involved in recent accidents or near-misses?
Have you received traffic citations or warnings for unsafe driving?
Have family members or friends expressed concerns about your driving ability?
Do you still enjoy driving, or does it cause anxiety or stress?
Are you comfortable driving in various weather conditions, traffic or unfamiliar areas?
The decision to stop driving can be daunting, especially for those who have relied on their cars for years. Senior Village can help make this transition as smooth as possible by offering rides to members. Whether you need to go to the grocery store, hair salon or doctor’s office, Senior Village volunteers are ready to roll. In 2023, Senior Village volunteers spent 2,417 hours on the road and covered 37,323 miles. All volunteer drivers are thoroughly vetted and insured to ensure passenger safety.
Senior Village members should follow these steps when requesting a ride:
Ensure all service requests are made with at least five days of lead time. The earlier, the better!
Call (520) 314-1042, press option 2 and leave details including your name and callback number, and the date, time and location of your destination.
A volunteer will confirm and call you to finalize details. Please answer unknown calls after submitting your request, as it may be us. Also, remember to check your voicemail, as information may be waiting.
If you need to cancel, please do so at least 24 hours in advance.
Knowing when to stop driving is a significant milestone in the lives of many seniors, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of independence. With the support of Senior Village, members can stay safe on the road.
Become a member of Senior Village by emailing membership@seniorvillage.org or calling (520) 314-1042, pressing option 2 and leaving a message with your callback number. An annual membership costs $60 for an individual or $96 for a household.
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