When To Hang Up The Keys: The Last Time.
- adaptiveclothingau
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
THE RIGHT TIME?
As we age, the topic of driving often becomes more complex. In Australia, drivers over the age of 75 ( 80 in Western Australia) are required to undergo an annual medical assessment and in some cases, a practical driving test to ensure theirs and other drivers safety.
However, it’s not just the older seniors who may begin to feel uneasy or uncertain behind the wheel. Increasingly, individuals in their late 60s and early 70s are choosing to limit their driving, opting to stay off the roads at night, avoid peak traffic hours, and travel only short distances. These adjustments often signal the beginning of a consideration, maybe it's time to hang up the keys?
Accepting the fact that you are no longer a confident observant driver, is not easy, it takes courage, and honesty. It also opens the door to a safer, calmer, and potentially a more connected way of living.
It’s completely natural to feel hesitant and emotional about the idea of stepping away from driving, but remember it also offers an opportunity to embrace a new phase of life, one that can still be rich with connection, purpose, enjoyment and extra money. .
THE OBVIOUS SIGNS
While everyone experiences aging differently, there are certain changes that can impact driving safety. Paying attention to these signs can help protect both yourself and others on the road. If your confidence is low or you're hesitant to drive, maybe its time to "Hang up the Keys."
DO YOU HAVE:
Slower reaction times or confusion at intersections
If it takes longer to respond to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian crossing or a sudden stoplight change, or if intersections and roundabouts start to feel overwhelming or disorienting, it may signal that your cognitive ability to process and respond quickly is changing.
Difficulty maintaining lane position
Struggling to stay centered in your lane, drifting without realizing it, or overcorrecting can point to challenges with coordination, depth perception, or attentiveness, all of which are essential for safe driving.
Frequent close calls or new dents and scrapes
Minor accidents, unexplained damage to the vehicle, or an increase in near misses can be subtle but serious warnings that judgment or cognitive awareness may be declining.
Trouble with vision, especially at night
Vision naturally changes with age, and difficulty seeing, clearly particularly in low light or with glare from headlights, can reduce your ability to react in time or spot potential dangers or hazards
A Medical conditions that impair movement or awareness
Conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s, dementia, or stroke can limit mobility, delay decision making, or affect concentration, making it harder to respond to fast changing road conditions. If any of these medical conditions affect you, it would be advised to consider your continued driving future.
A Medication side effects like drowsiness or dizziness
Many common medications can have side effects that impact alertness, reaction time, or balance. Feeling tired, foggy, or dizzy while driving is a strong indicator that it may not be safe to be behind the wheel. If the medications that created these body effects are to be taken daily it may be time to seriously consider alternative transport.
Recognizing these signs doesn’t mean giving up your independence, it means taking proactive steps to stay safe and explore new ways to remain connected and mobile.
The Safety Perspective
According to road safety research, older drivers are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident due to physical frailty. Moreover, even one second of delayed reaction time can mean the difference between a safe stop and a collision.
Driving with diminished ability doesn't just endanger the driver, it puts passengers, pedestrians, and fellow road users at risk of death or serious injury.
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The Benefits of Stepping Back
While it may initially feel restrictive, stepping away from driving can offer numerous benefits:
Reduced stress: Avoid the frustration of traffic congestion, road rage incidents, and the hassle of finding parking.
Enhanced safety: Minimizes the risk of accidents, protecting both yourself and other road .users.
Greater social connection: Due to the increased financial gain of not owning a vehicle, exploring transport alternatives becomes exciting, Uber, Taxi, Bus, Scooter.. many options are available, often leading to new social interactions.
Significant financial savings: By hanging up the keys you eliminate never ending vehicle costs such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, oil service changes, insurance premiums, registration fees. possible parking or road law penalties.
Going from driving to not driving, is easier if support is available for the initial transition. Family members, neighbours, caregivers, even healthcare providers will approach the subject with empathy and personal understanding.
Choosing to stop driving is a mature and selfless decision grounded in care for your own wellbeing, LOs and general community. It's one of those rare acts that is both responsible and socially done. In the end, safety, dignity, and quality of life matter far more than a set of car keys sitting in a dish. .
 SOURCES
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Disclaimer
The information presented in this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While A.C.A. staff have many years of experience in the aged care and disability industry, we are not medical clinicians or healthcare professionals. The content provided should not be interpreted as professional advice. For driving concerns, medical concerns, fall safety needs, health diagnoses, or treatment, always consult a qualified general practitioner (GP) or licensed healthcare professional.
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