Consult with your doctor if certain medications or medical conditions may interfere with your driving safety.
While not solely based on aging, we can experience changes in our health and mobility that may interfere with maintaining our ability to drive safely. By attending regularly scheduled doctor’s visits and annual check-ups, you have the chance to speak with your doctor to understand how certain medical conditions or medications may impact your daily activities, such as driving.
"Driving is a complex task that requires sharp cognitive and physical abilities, which can be affected by certain medical conditions and medications,” said Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger, Gerontologist at Home Instead , an Honor company.
“For instance, medications that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision can significantly impair driving skills, while conditions like arthritis or diabetes can affect your ability to react quickly and maintain control of the vehicle,” Eichenberger added.
While many older adults adapt well to changes in health and medication, some may not fully recognize how these factors influence their driving abilities. Raising awareness about these impacts can help both older adults and their families make informed decisions about driving practices and necessary vehicle adjustments.
“It’s crucial to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about how your health and medications might impact your driving,” said Eichenberger. “Proactively addressing these concerns can help ensure that you stay safe on the road, both for yourself and others.”
During your medical appointments, be proactive in asking how your medications might affect your driving. Discuss any changes in your health that could impact your ability to drive safely. This could include changes such as increased forgetfulness, anxiety, or getting lost; changes in vision; or loss of range of motion. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms can help prevent potential driving issues and ensure safer driving practices.
If you notice changes or have concerns, remember that ChORUS provides free resources to assist with making decisions, finding local services, and discussing driving safety with others. Below are some helpful resources.
Additional Resources