When It’s Time to Turn in the Keys

Driving’s a freedom that we get at the age of 16, but as we age getting behind the wheel can be a danger to ourselves and others.

Lieutenant Matt Boyd said there’s no designated age to hang up the keys. For some it may be 50 years-old while for others 90. Lt. Boyd said it’s important for those driving to stay in shape and talk to their doctor about the medications they’re taking and how to minimize interactions with them.

He said as we age cognitive skills diminish.

"It can actually be as dangerous as an impaired driver," said State Highway Patrol Zanesville Post Commander Lt. Matt Boyd. "If they’re out there maybe sleepy or can’t read or recognize signs and things like that it can make for a very dangerous situation."

He said there are some warning signs that can tip off family that it could be time to address the driving issue with the older adult in their life.

"If someone’s driven their whole life and never had a traffic crash and then have 3 in a 4-5 year period or even a couple," said Lt. Boyd. "If they have close calls, maybe they get stopped running a stop sign and they don’t even recognize the stop sign was there."

Lt. Boyd said addressing the driving issue should be done with respect and it sometimes helps to have several family members present to talk about the topic.

Nationwide over 500 older drivers are injured every day in traffic accidents.

Lt. Boyd spoke to seniors during Thursday’s Senior Safety event at the Center for Seniors.