Aging is an inevitable part of the human experience, and one which many of us should consider ourselves lucky to experience. Aging naturally brings change, some positive and some negative; fundamentally, though, aging can make previously-everyday activities more dangerous.

One such activity is driving – more accurately, driving safely. Driving is an essential part of daily life for many of us, providing us with the freedom and independence to make appointments and otherwise go wherever we please. However, as we age, our driving skills may decline, leading to safety concerns on the road. What changes when driving in older age, and how can we know when to stop?

Why People Choose to Drive

Driving is a necessity for many people, especially those who live in rural areas with limited access to public transportation. It provides them with the independence to travel at their convenience, socialise with friends and family, and participate in a variety of activities and hobby-crafts from camping to wild walking and beyond.

How Driving Changes As You Age

However, as we age, we lose some our reflexes slow down, our vision may weaken, and our decision-making skills can be impacted. Cognitive changes can result in slower reaction times, while changes to eyesight manifest difficulties in seeing pedestrians or reading road signs. This translates into increased risk of injury to others on the road. Older drivers with real impairments might find themselves more likely to hit and injure a pedestrian, opening up the possibility of a claim against them for damages.

Other age-related conditions such as arthritis can make motor functions difficult, while general cognitive decline can impact decision making. Older drivers are by no means the most dangerous drivers on the road, with younger inexperienced drivers more well-represented on the roads and in accident data – but over-86s do have the highest rates of collisions in the UK – raising the question of when it would be pertinent for older drivers to stop.

When to Stop

In the UK, there is no legal age limit at which driving is prohibited, but the government advises drivers over the age of 70 to renew their driving licence every three years. This renewal process includes a medical evaluation to ensure that the driver is fit to drive safely. However, this evaluation is only advisory and not mandatory.

If you or a relative are reaching a point or age where you are asking questions about stopping driving, honesty is an essential first step to take – particularly, acknowledging the changes that have occurred in your body and driving skills. You may also consider the feedback of family and friends who may have noticed changes in your driving abilities. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable behind the wheel, it’s time to consider other transportation options.

However, this is in no way the end of independence for the person stopping driving. There are many other public and private transportation options available even to rural communities, that afford both convenience and dignity. Many communities offer transportation services for older adults, such as shuttle buses, volunteer driver programs, and door-to-door services.