When is it no longer safe for an elderly person to continue driving? Five things to consider

The question of how long an elderly driver should remain behind the wheel always makes for a difficult conversation among family members.

Currently, there is no legal cut-off age for driving in South Africa, and it is estimated that more than three million people in this country are aged 65 or above. 

By the age of 60, most people need substantially more light to see as they did in their twenties.

Naturally, the question of how long they should continue to drive plagues many families.

While licence renewals every five years do provide a layer of protection, as they include an eye test, families need to be proactive about the situation, advises Michael Pashut, founder and CEO of ChangeCars.

This includes medical check-ins, realistic trip planning and open family conversations, while a reliable car with the appropriate technology can help immensely.

“Mobility is independence. Our goal as families and communities should be to help older drivers stay safe for as long as possible and to spot the moment when different transport choices are the wiser option,” Pashut said.

However, if warning signs appear, it is best to choose alternatives early rather than risking a near miss, he added.

There are five things that families should consider when making such a decision, Pashut explains:

Health and vision should be tested annually

One should book regular eye and hearing checks and be honest about conditions that affect alertness, movement, or cognition. An annual vision check is a practical baseline to work from. Many people need glasses from their mid-40s, and light needs increase with age. Both affect night and bad-weather driving.

Medication and medical conditions 

Review prescriptions with a GP or pharmacist for side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or slower reaction times. Neurological conditions, such as dementia and Parkinson’s, and untreated sleep issues can impair judgment and response. Professional guidance is essential here, and families should be part of the plan.

Plan the 'when' and 'where' and use self-imposed limits

Safer choices often start with timing and routes. Avoid peak hours, unfamiliar or complex roads, poor weather and night driving. Keep to known areas and shorter trips. These self-restrictions reduce stress and decision load and are recommended by South African road-safety agencies for older road users.

Vehicles and technology

Make minor adjustments to improve comfort and control. These include correct seating height, clear mirrors, clean windscreens and bright, easy-to-read displays.

Modern Driver-Assist features such as Reverse Cameras, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping Aid, Rear-View Cameras, and Blind-Spot monitoring can compensate for reduced flexibility or slower reactions. They don’t replace skill, but they add a valuable safety net, says Pashut. When shopping for a vehicle, it is important to prioritise good visibility, simple controls and these assistance systems. 

Know the red flags and act on them

It may be time to pause or stop driving if there’s confusion on familiar routes, frequent parking scrapes, startle responses at normal traffic speeds, noticeable slowing of reflexes, or concerned feedback from passengers.

There is no shame in changing habits or hanging up the keys, Pashut adds. Consider ride-hailing, community lifts and delivery services to preserve independence safely. 

IOL Motoring