The following is quoted from the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal.
Staying Safe Behind the Wheel
Driving is a complex task that involves many different skills and body functions. We need to integrate our visual, cognitive, physical, and perceptual skills to drive safely. For many older adults, a vehicle is a way to get around and a sign of their independence, enabling them to maintain their social and community activities. This is an essential factor in maintaining their quality of life. As we age, health and medical conditions changes can affect driving ability, compromising safety on the road.
So, how do you determine whether you are fit to get behind the wheel? How do you know when it’s time to hang up the keys? And what other options exist for those who can no longer drive? For those still able to drive, what strategies exist to improve safety?