When is it time to turn in your car keys?
We all know that there may come a time in our life when we have to
decide if we are capable of operating a motor vehicle. There are many
medical and non medical reason that may affect a drivers operation. The U.S.
Department of Transportation list some of the following conditions that may
impede operation: Alzheimer’s Disease, other dementia, such as
multi-infarction, field of vision loss, low vision, cataracts and the onset
of glaucoma, Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease and stroke, Slowed reaction time
due to advanced age and / or physical conditions.
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has a Safe Driving for Elders
Program. They have a two page “SAFE DRIVER CHECKLIST”. Some of the question
on the list are: Do you have difficulty seeing clearly in the dusk and dark?
Do you get drowsy behind the wheel or have difficulty concentrating? Do you
often get lost on once familiar roads? Do you forget the basics, such as
putting on your headlights and wearing a seat belt.? Have family, friends,
or even police officers told you that you are not a safe driver?
If you answer yes to many of these questions you may want to consider if you
should be driving. For more information you can visit the MA RMV at http://www.mass.gov/rmv/medical
The final decision to turn in your keys will be a difficult decision. It does
not have to be the end of you independence. If you reach the conclusion that
you need to stop driving it does not have to mean the end of you freedom.
There are transportation alternatives out there. You can also rely on family
and friends. Sure, it will not be the same with no license. However,
you need to think of your safety and the safety of others. The Dunstable Police Department has pamphlets
from the MA RMV for anyone who is interested on reading more on this topic.
Submitted by Sgt. Darrell Gilmore, Dunstable Police - Senior Liaison