Canadian Automobile Association: Helping Aging Drivers
Tips for Older Drivers
Danger Signs
Some drivers' "bad habits" are actually signs that their ability to drive safely is becoming compromised, and could affect their own safety as well as that of others on the roads.
Be on the lookout for these danger signs. Any of them could be a signal that a driver assessment is required immediately.
Mental and Physical Difficulties Check List
- Decreased confidence
- Increased agitation or irritation while driving
- Easily distracted while driving
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Delayed response to unexpected situations
- Confusion at exits
- Depending on a "co-pilot" for judgement
- Bad judgement when making left-hand turns
- Not anticipating potentially dangerous situations
- Failure to notice important activity on the side of the road
- Failure to notice traffic signs
- Difficulty turning to see when backing up
Driving Habits Check List
- Confusing the gas and brake pedals
- Near misses
- Driving at inappropriate speeds
- "Riding" the brake
- Incorrect signalling
- Trouble navigating turns
- Moving into wrong lane
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason
- Difficulty maintaining lane position (staying in the middle of the lane)
- Inappropriate parking
- Hitting curbs
Other Danger Signs Check List
- Car crashes
- Telltale scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage
- Ticketed moving violations or warnings
- Others drivers often honk horns