MY FATHER suffered an aneurysm when he was just 63—while driving. Narrating the incident just a few weeks after a brain operation that put two “J” shaped scars on his head, he recalled that he still had a good sense of what was happening and parked his car by a hardware store along Tandang Sora Ave. in Quezon City.
Since he knew the people from the store, he waved at one of the helpers and sought help. He was rushed to the nearby East Ave Medical Center then transferred to the Medical City. After a year of recovery, he tried to go back to driving but lost a considerable amount of patience and reflexes to do so. He made the decision to stop driving after it took him a long time to parallel park—a task he could skillfully do in two and a half full turns.
Aging inevitably brings changes that can affect our abilities, and driving is no exception.
To add to that, the appalling driving conditions, in most parts of the Philippines, especially in urbanized towns, are so commonplace that it is baffling why there are no laws to regulate driving (or riding) after a certain age. The poorly engineered roads, constantly shifting road rules (one-ways and U-turns) and extremely congested traffic conditions require sharp reflexes and keen awareness behind the wheel.
Senior citizens display varying approaches to driving. Some, like 82-year-old Sir Oscar, maintain their driving abilities and confidently navigate short distances, reserving longer trips for careful planning and alternative transportation within the city. Others, like 70-year-old Kuya Danny, overestimate their capabilities and disregard legal requirements, posing a risk to themselves and others. Conversely, seniors like 63-year-old Mang Azon, recognize their limitations and choose to cease driving altogether, maintaining their vehicle for occasional use and emergencies. This spectrum of senior drivers highlights the need for solutions that support safe driving practices, discourage those who are no longer qualified, and ensure the safety of seniors on the road amidst other drivers.
All over the world there are no age-based driving restrictions. In New York, drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licenses in person every three years, including a vision test, and authorities can request a road test if deemed necessary. Japan, specifically in Tokyo, cognitive screenings and driving aptitude tests for drivers aged 75 and older upon license renewal, with potential license restrictions or revocation for those exhibiting cognitive impairment. In China, drivers over 60 to undergo annual medical examinations for license renewal. The European Commission proposed limiting the validity of driving licenses for people 70 and older to five years, but was revised and left to each member state to decide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Road Safety advocacy says there is no arbitrary age at which someone should stop driving because people age differently. However, it highlights that some factors that can make it more difficult for older drivers to safely operate a vehicle: decreased vision, impaired hearing, slower motor reflexes, and worsening health conditions.
A WHO study also indicated that while older drivers have fewer crashes per year than younger drivers, they have higher rates of crashes, traffic violations, and fatalities per mile driven globally. Crash rates increase after age 70, and more rapidly after age 80.
What can be done to protect senior citizens who are driving? This could involve more frequent license renewals, even reducing the current five- or ten-year validity period, coupled with mandatory medical checkups to ensure continued fitness to drive. The creation and application of specialized senior driving tests could be implemented to assess cognitive abilities, reaction time, and vision more comprehensively than standard exams.
There is the other side of the equation: other drivers. Creating laws or policies training other road users is as important as protecting our seniors. This training may be difficult because it includes lane respect, road courtesy and patience—which cannot be taught but only practiced. One way suggested to help seniors is to place visible stickers indicating the vehicle infront is driven be a senior. This solution might not be applicable everywhere, and may even be seen as discriminatory and demeaning.
When should senior drivers hang up the keys and stop driving?
Beyond legal requirements, families and individuals must remain attentive to changes that could compromise driving safety. For instance, physical limitations such as arthritis, decreased flexibility, and slowed reflexes can hinder the quick maneuvers and precise vehicle control necessary for safe driving.
Similarly, vision and hearing impairment, including reduced peripheral vision, difficulty seeing at night, and hearing loss, can make it challenging to perceive hazards and respond effectively to traffic signals.
Cognitive decline, characterized by memory problems, confusion, and a decreased attention span, can lead to disorientation, missed signs, and poor judgment on the road. Also consider the side effects of medications, particularly those commonly prescribed for chronic conditions prevalent among seniors, can induce drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion, all of which impair driving ability.
Addressing driving concerns with an older loved one requires sensitivity and tact. Approach the conversation with empathy and respect, framing it around care and concern rather than criticism. Offer viable alternatives, such as exploring public transportation options, ride-sharing services, or enlisting family assistance, to help maintain their independence while ensuring safety. Involving a medical professional can provide an objective assessment and support the decision to limit or cease driving.
