When Should You Stop Driving?

In British Columbia, the operation of motor vehicles is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act, which sets forth the regulations and guidelines for driving. RoadSafetyBC, a branch of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is responsible for ensuring road safety. RoadSafetyBC assesses drivers' medical fitness using the Driver's Medical Examination Report (DMER), which is required to be completed by someone’s physician or nurse practitioner at age 80, 85, and every two years after. Assessments using the DMER were paused for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic but have been resumed as of the spring of 2023 (HealthLinkBC, n.d.).

Drivers with known or suspected medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), may be mailed the blue DMER form. The DMER serves as a crucial source of information for RoadSafetyBC's Driver Medical Fitness staff. It aids them in evaluating the severity, progression, treatment, and effects of any medical conditions that a driver may have, which could potentially impact their ability to drive safely (HealthLinkBC, n.d.).

Section 230 of the Motor Vehicle Act also states that medical practitioners have an obligation to report patients to RoadSafetyBC if their medical condition poses a danger to their ability to drive, and if the patient disregards warnings and continues to drive. Depending on RoadSafetyBC’s assessment, the Superintendent may impose conditions, request periodic reporting, or cancel the driver's license if necessary (HealthLinkBC, 2021).

While there is no set time for when someone should stop driving, there are several warning signs that indicate age or illness may be affecting our own or a loved one's driving safety. It is important to take these signs seriously, as individuals 70 and older are more likely to experience a crash than any other age group, except those 25 and younger. Because of the natural physical vulnerabilities that come with older age, these drivers face a greater risk of severe injury or even death as a result of crashes. In fact, data collected by Transport Canada from 2000 to 2015 shows that 447 seniors died on average every year as a result of traffic accidents. These numbers include more than just drivers, however; pedestrians, cyclists, and other groups are counted as well. However, when only drivers are included, seniors make up the most driver fatalities of any age group (CTV News, 2018). What is also concerning is that most people continue to drive seven to 10 years longer than they ideally should, which puts them, as well as other road users, at risk (HealthLinkBC, 2021).

How do you know when you should stop driving? The list below outlines some common warning signs (HealthLinkBC, 2021):

1. You have trouble following or remembering the rules of the road. For example, you find yourself missing stop signs or red lights, or frequently have close calls with other road users. Other drivers may also honk at you for unintentionally dangerous actions.
2. You struggle with the physical aspects of driving. You may confuse the gas and brake pedals or find you cannot move your foot between them fast enough. You may also have difficulty turning your head far enough to shoulder check, or have trouble with your vision, especially at night or when there is a lot of glare. You may also notice your reaction time is not what it used to be.
3. You have difficulty with road awareness and navigation. You may get lost, even on familiar roads, or have trouble staying centered in your lane.
4. You or your loved ones have anxieties around your driving. Family and friends may express their worries, or you might feel nervous when behind the wheel.

However, there are proactive steps you can take to continue safely driving. They include:

1. Taking charge of your wellbeing by prioritizing your health. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare team to ensure you are fit to drive safely, and make sure to stay on top of any optometry appointments to keep your vision as sharp as possible.
2. Choosing a vehicle that suits your needs and can provide any aids to assist your driving. Decide whether manual or automatic transmission, advanced safety systems (such as rearview cameras, blind spot detection, and lane departure warnings), and/or power brakes are the right options for you. And remember, regardless of the car you choose, make sure it is in safe condition by following the maintenance schedule suggested by the manufacturer.
3. Staying up to date with your driving skills and knowledge of the road. Visit a driver licensing office to obtain resources like ICBC's Learn to Drive Smart or Tuning Up for Drivers, or download them digitally at https://bit.ly/ICBCLearntoDriveSmart and https://bit.ly/ICBCTuningupforDrivers. You may also consider enrolling in a driving course with a private instructor. A third-person perspective can shed light on ingrained habits you may not even be aware of, allowing you to make adjustments and develop new, safer habits.
4. Developing defensive driving techniques. Ensure you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, pay extra attention at intersections, and always use timely turn signals before making a lane change.
5. Recognizing your limitations. It is essential to monitor your driving abilities for your own safety and the safety of others. If you feel uncomfortable in specific driving situations, be honest with yourself. Keep an eye out for warning signs such as health issues (conflicting medications, vision or hearing problems, reflexes and mobility issues, memory problems) or recurring road-related problems (difficulty making decisions, drifting, braking issues, receiving driving violation tickets).

While the thought of voluntarily relinquishing your license may bring up worries of losing your independence, especially for those in rural areas, this does not have to be the case. By using services like public transport, which may have lower fare prices for seniors, and taxis/ride sharing, you can continue to safely get around. Grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, and many other establishments in your community also usually offer delivery services at low or no cost.

And for those who have been drivers all their lives, they may not have considered how relaxing it can be to be a passenger, free from the burdens of navigating traffic and encountering stressful driving situations. There are cost-saving benefits, too – the average annual cost of operating a car in Canada is $8,800 (Reviewlution, 2023)!

The decision to drive does not need to be all-or-nothing. Some individuals find that they feel safer driving in the daytime and avoid driving at night when lighting conditions are less favourable. Others might avoid highways but feel comfortable taking a short daily trip to a nearby store. Work with your doctor and loved ones to determine how and when you should drive, as well as when it might be a good idea to considering hanging up your car keys.

Additional Resources

Province of British Columbia | Sample DMER | https://bit.ly/DMERSampleBC

Sources

CTV News (2018). More seniors dying on Canadian roads than any other group. https://www.ctvnews.ca/features/more-seniors-dying-on-canadian-roads-than-any-other-group

HealthLinkBC (n.d.). Driver's Medical Examination Report. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc/medical-fitness/exam

HealthLinkBC (2021). About RoadSafetyBC. https://alpha.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc/about

HealthLinkBC (2021). Healthy Aging: Is It Time to Stop Driving?  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/aging-well/healthy-aging-it-time-stop-driving

Reviewlution (2023). How Much Does a Car Cost in Canada? A 2023 Guide. https://reviewlution.ca/resources/how-much-does-a-car-cost-in-canada

This content was published in the Fall 2023 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.