The Top 5 “Red Flags” For When Seniors Should Stop Driving

I live in Florida — It’s different down here.

Joan Gershman
Crow’s Feet

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Photo courtesy of Pexels

I live in Florida, so if you aren’t already aware, let me enlighten you. The criteria for remaining a driver on the road is different down here than in other states. It’s a bit, shall we say, more lenient.

The DMV is strict about passing the eye test (thankfully), but otherwise:

Do you need a cane to steady you while you walk? What does that have to do with your driving ability? Nah, you’re good to drive.

Do you need a walker to balance you and keep you upright to walk? You’re sitting when you are driving. No problem.

Age has collapsed your vertebrae and shrunken your height to that of a ten-year-old? That’s what pillows and gas/brake pedal blocks are for.

Arthritis in your neck has made it difficult for you to turn your head to see cars coming toward you from the left lane? Why do you think they invented blind spot monitors on side-view mirrors?

Slow reflexes? Most seniors will give you the excuse that they “only” go to the grocery store or church around the corner. It’s not like they’re on the highway and need to react quickly. I’ve seen seniors have accidents in grocery store parking lots because they couldn’t react…

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Joan Gershman
Crow’s Feet

2 X TOP WRITER; Retired Educator; Speech/Language Therapist; English Teacher; thealzheimerspouse.com; talktimewithjoan.com; Medium.com writer; Vocal Writer