It is a rite of passage for the 16-year-old, something awaited with anxiety and desire by most teens.
When the time comes, they take it very seriously, studying hard in advance. Then they get their learner's permit. They practice diligently and as much as they can, every day even.
And finally, the time comes for the big examination: the driving test. Are they good enough? Will they finally gain the little plastic card that explodes their level of independence?
As a rite of passage for young people, getting a license to drive is almost without equal. At the other end of the age spectrum are seniors who are still driving on that same permit going back to their own teen years.
Many seniors are able to leverage the decades of experience into being very capable, safe drivers. But there does come a time when it might not be so.
Will you know when you should no longer drive? Are their signs? Will you admit it to yourself? Others?
Teens and seniors also have another characteristic in common: they comprise the two groups with the highest crash rates in British Columbia (teens top the list, but both are much higher than the balance of age groups).
Driving provides independence and mobility, both very important to seniors. Seniors are staying healthy and active for much longer today, but eventually, driving skills degrade.
Age alone is not enough for this to occur.
Rather, medical conditions, medications and illness can all contribute to reduced driving ability. Recognizing the problem is the first test; acting on it is the real challenge.
How do we know our driving is not what it used to be? There are warning signs to look for. Do you miss traffic signs occasionally like stop signs and red lights?
Are lane changes more difficult? Do you make wrong turns or get lost in familiar areas?
Driving too slowly, below the speed limit is another flag to look for. As is not being aware of others around you like cyclists, pedestrians and road hazards.
Do other vehicles honk at you regularly? That's one more warning you may not be driving safely.
Some drivers rationalize continuing to drive despite warning signs. They might say "I only drive in good conditions during daylight," for example.
Unfortunately, most accidents occur during daylight hours in good conditions and close to home. Or they will excuse the sign by thinking "it was just this once, and I will be more careful so it won't happen again."
Medical conditions affect driving abilities.
Dementia or Alzheimer's degrade skills, chronic heart or lung disease can affect driving skills. Stroke, arthritis and diabetes all contribute to driving problems.
Most people expect they will know when they should no longer drive. Even if one could be completely objective, that is unlikely.
Many of the conditions that affect driving ability also affect insight and the ability to make good decisions.
Many seniors are fully competent, careful drivers, but even for the best, this can change. It is the driver's responsibility to stop driving, or to ask for help in making the decision if not sure.
That means being mature and responsible for your actions.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
