Warning Signs of Unsafe Driving

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Do you know anyone who has problems driving or who has stopped driving? What led you to think that he or she had a problem driving?

See also: Brain health and driving

The following warning signs can indicate a physical and/or memory problem that is beginning to affect someone’s driving abilities.

Members only Physical CapabilitiesNot being able to see or hear what is going on outside the carTrouble moving foot from gas pedal to brake pedalDifficulty turning head when backing

upDelayed responses to unexpected situations Cognitive CapabilitiesDecrease in confidence while drivingNeeds someone else to tell him or her how to driveGetting lost in familiar

placesBecoming easily distracted while drivingGetting confused at intersections, entrance or exit ramps, or roundaboutsInability to adapt to new situationsFailing to recognize dangerous

situations Poor Driving SkillsNot using turn signals correctly or not using them at allHaving trouble making turnsHaving difficulty moving into or maintaining the correct lane of

trafficHaving trouble judging the space between vehicles in traffic on highway entrance or exit rampsParking inappropriatelyHitting curbs when making right turns or backing upUnpredictable

stopping in trafficDriving too slowly; other drivers often honk hornsFailing to stop at stop signs or stoplightsFailing to notice important activity on the side of the road Undesirable

BehaviorsDriving too fast or too slow for road conditionsBecoming more agitated or irritated when drivingDistracted drivingImpaired drivingNot following doctor’s guidanceEvidence of warning

signsGetting scrapes or dents on car, garage or mailboxHaving frequent close callsBeing warned or ticketed for moving violationsHaving multiple vehicle crashes External AdviceDoctors or

pharmacists have advised him or her that certain medications may affect the capacity to driveFriends, relatives, doctors or other trusted sources have suggested that driving be limited or

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