Some time ago one of those photo jokes appeared in my inbox. The single frame showed an intent and apprehensive ‘grey hair’ hunched at the wheel; in the passenger seat sat a small dog with a look of abject terror on its face. The caption? “How you’ll know when it’s time to stop driving.”

Yes, humorous, but an unsettling message for those of us who might be approaching ‘wheels loss’.  While we’re still safely in charge of a vehicle is the best time to consider the evidence that could lead to hanging up the keys, as well as some simple steps that can maintain, or even improve our driving safety and performance right now.

If there are little symptoms out there, work at admitting and correcting, not ignoring them. Here are a few that may seem trivial, but are worth consideration.

• A collection of minor dents on your vehicle (the ones caused by you)
• Riding up over a curb on right hand turns
• Missing a turn or two enroute to your destination
• Wonky parking in designated parking spaces
• A startle reflex without just cause
• A general lack of confidence in your own driving or hesitation to undertake a longer than usual trip
• The feeling that all around you is moving too fast (which it may well be as our world has speeded up since we first earned our driving credentials)
• Pay attention to your night vision; does it take longer to see clearly after oncoming headlights, or brightly lighted areas changing suddenly to dark?

Should you already have received and passed with flying colours, that examination paper from Motor Vehicles before the approach of a certain birthday, that’s bound to increase your driver confidence. But there are other steps one can take to keep oneself on the driving edge.

Consider that one day you may have to take the dreaded road test to prove your ability to the powers that be. There are some fairly painless ways to do the studying. Start practising (constantly) the little rules that you know, but too easily ignore:

• At a STOP sign, stop first at the line … not part way into the intersection
• When turning into another street or highway, stay in the proper lane, don’t drift into the one that is easier with a wider turn
• Do, do make that shoulder check – every time
• Stop by an ICBC office and pick up the latest free driver’s manual, then read it. You might be amazed at the array of new traffic signs and signals.
• Sign up for a driver’s refresher course; Elder College in Parksville offers a 3-hour review (Safe Driving for Seniors) with a retired RCMP traffic officer who has kept up to date on the latest in driver safety. (Call Elder College at 1-866-734-6252 or check their website or email.

If you’re in the market for a new or newer car, check out the many websites that offer suggestions and details on vehicles especially handy and comfortable for older drivers. Beware of the jungle of new gadgets on the dash of the latest models … they may be meant for convenience, but they’re built for confusion … and their manuals may need a utility trailer to carry them!

And try not to rely on that bumper sticker I saw recently in Qualicum Beach: “I’m retired! Go around.”

Nancy Whelan
Email Nancy Whelan

See all articles by Nancy Whelan