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“Never without my car!”. Many seniors think so, because their vehicle is a guarantee of their autonomy. But when health is altered, driving can become dangerous, for the driver but also for those who cross his path … So, when should be returned the keys to the car?
The over 65s create more accidents than the others
According to the latest road safety figures,, The number of people killed on the roads is generally downward. But this is not the case with seniors. Thus, among the 65-74 year olds, the number of killed 65-74 years per million inhabitants is 50 killed, above the average which is 48 killed per million inhabitants. Among 75 and over, the average is even higher with 77 killed per million inhabitants.
Figures that recently encouraged a deputy to table a bill before the National Assembly in 2023. This aimed at the establishment of a compulsory medical examination among drivers over 70 years. But the project had finally been rejected.
The question of driving security for this audience comes up regularly in the news. Because with age, certain medical conditions can deteriorate driving.
Signs to be monitored in a senior who drives
For Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, knowing how to recognize the signs of an inability to drive as before is a necessity. Even if she is not happy. In a previous article devoted to an accident caused by an 83 -year -old driver, the emergency room said: “No, we do not keep all of his abilities to drive after 80 years. After a number of years, we lose our agility, visual acuity And auditory, our distance assessment is deteriorating … without counting on certain treatments that can play on our attention “.
But even before this age, if driving is not prohibited, it is crucial to monitor signs of a decline.
Cognitive functions
“The first factor to be monitored is the alteration of cognitive functions: even light disorders of memory, attention or judgment must alert, as they compromise the ability to make rapid and appropriate decisions while driving” evokes the emergency doctor. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia prohibit driving, due to the risk of disorientation, loss of control and non-compliance with traffic rules.
Pathologies and treatments
Other pathologies are also incompatible with driving.
- Important vision disorders (cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration);
- Hearing disorders;
- Serious psychiatric diseases, uncontrolled epilepsy;
- The history of stroke with sequelae;
- Mally balanced diabetes (risk of hypoglycemia);
- Motor disorders (severe arthritis, loss of coordination;
- Heart disease at risk of discomfort or loss of consciousness;
- Sleep disorders causing diurnal sleepiness.
Signs of alert on the car
An increase in clashes, scratches on the vehicle, difficulties in managing complex situations (roundabouts, intersections), slowed down reactions, loss of vehicle control, or frequent road code must also alert those around.
“In the presence of these symptoms or diseases, it is recommended to consult a doctor to assess driving ability and, if necessary, consider stopping driving to preserve the safety of all” concludes Dr. Kierzek.