It can be difficult to watch the passage of time and witness the decline in a parents abilities to manage tasks that he or she has spent a lifetime handling effortlessly. Driving is one of the most important privileges that seniors cling toand while, as a group, older drivers are actually considered by industry experts to be among the safest drivers behind the wheel, there will likely come a time when an older parent is no longer capable of driving safely and should retire the car keys. Even with a good Windham, CT auto insurance policy offering protection, there comes a time when certain behaviors indicate that its time to park the carpermanently. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

Becoming confused or lost when driving through familiar streets and neighborhoods

Difficulty in staying in the proper lanetraveling too close to parked cars or riding along the lane markers

An increasing number of dents, scrapes, and such on the car itself, the mailbox, or the garage door, indicating the drivers ability to judge distance is decreasing

A growing number of close calls or near misses with other cars

Inability to drive the posted and appropriate rate of speed

Increasing inability to see or pay attention to traffic signs and signals or markings on the pavement

Dangerously slowed reflexes in responding to sudden driving situations such as a ball bouncing into a street, an animal running in front of the vehicle, a car door on a parked vehicle suddenly opening into traffic

Poor judgment in making left turns, parking, or navigating entrance and exit ramps

Lessened ability to hear emergency vehicles signals or see flashing lights and respond accordingly

Of course, the simple act of aging doesnt mean one is rendered unfit for driving; theres a difference between biological age and chronological age. Many older drivers voluntarily avoid driving in situations that tax their skills, such as driving at night, in bad weather, or on heavily traveled freewaysbehaviors that help reduce the likelihood of a claim on their Windham, CT auto insurance policy. On the other hand, many people have a parent or other relative whom they believe no longer has the reflexes, vision, or cognitive ability to safely navigate the highways and byways. Sit them down and have a respectful, caring conversation, and let them know that while they may think driving is about preserving their freedom, not driving is about preserving their life.