Poor Driving?

For the safety of yourself and other drivers, it might be best to stop driving now until you are evaluated by your doctor with regard to driving with special emphasis on the role of your pain drugs and the possibility of switching to alternative drugs without cognitive effects.
I would also wait on purchasing a new vehicle until you have had this appt with your doctor. During this non driving time, perhaps you could look into alternative modes of transportation including family assistance, public transportation, Uber or community senior services.
Be safe!

That you are here asking the question tells me two things about you (and I and other drivers nearby sincerely thank you for your orientation to this change in yourself and what it might mean for everyone):

You have a good head on your shoulders with an orientation to self-examination in motive and in practical ability. You want to do the good thing, which suggests 'Good Will.' Secondly, that you know you have to make a forced choice and that changes out of your control might make the decision obvious................if painful.

So, good for you! My answer, only mine, would be to seek professional assessment as to your safe driving capacity. Or, if that is impractical or grossly inconvenient, then side with caution and hang up your keys. You have a strong suspicion you have reached the end of the tune, and that this particular dance must stop. As an obviously conscientious soul, you do not want to have erred in your favour at the expense of a worse record recently, at the very least, but also having done serious damage to someone who doesn't deserve your incautious or incapable driving.

Just a quick anecdote:

A friend of mine had to give up driving due to macular degeneration.
When she went to trade her license for a state ID, the worker asked, "Downgrading from a driver's license, eh?"

My friend replied, "No. I'm upgrading to a chauffeured limousine."

I thought she had the right attitude.

Anyway, sometimes you have to do the right thing. A vehicle is a big potential weapon.

@gloaming Thank you
for your reply. I did have my driving evaluated by our licensing agency.
He advice was to stick with familiar roads and no night time driving.
I went straight to the state after I felt uncomfortable. I have extensive drivers training, and trading in my big truck for a smaller sedan is also their recommendation.
I requested to be re-evaluated every two years. They were satisfied with my plan.
I will continue to monitor my driving. I have installed safe driving applications for my phone. The app from my car insurance
company watches my driving habits and dings me on speed, braking, lane changes etc. The app gives me a score that can either raise or lower my car insurance.
I try to travel with a "co-pilate", and she certainly will speak up about my driving.
I drove my daughter to her Obgyn appointments and she said she felt safe.
I'm trying their suggestions for now. Watching my driving carefully makes me a better driver. My Mom drove until she was 87. I'm about 16 years away from 87. Her skills did diminish her last year, and she volunteered her drivers license, and car keys.
I'm sure I won't last that long, but I hope I can drive till I retire.
My kids did say they will help out when they are available. Any area or roads I'm not familiar with, I avoid.
This is my current position, and I have sincerly jumped through all the hoops to reach it.
Thank all that commented. It's a day by day decision.
I leave my pride in my driveway. If this doesn't work, and I'm hesitant to drive, I will hang up my keys.
Bye for now, guys.

@koneil From personal experience, I saw how much of an acknowledgement of the aging/health process it was when my dad gave up driving. It meant [to him] loss of independence. The fact he could not navigate parking lots or streets safely was a secondary concern to him. But obviously not other drivers!

I'm glad you are addressing this concern with yourself, and expressing it here to other members. It shows you are aware of issues, and want to mitigate them as soon as you can. Being honest with yourself, you will be able to make the right decision when it comes time to relief yourself of driving responsibilities. Now is the time to look into alternative transportation, like buses, ride-sharing, Uber, family members, etc.
Ginger

It sure is horrible to lose our independence and rely on others for a ride! Similar circumstgances for me. But after C.Diff, 4 friends dying within months, glaucoma diagnosis and getting off zoloft aftr 15 years then cutting down rivotril, having had no accidents: I decided to stop drive as I would not have been able to react quickly in an emergency. Howver, after several years I had to take a Provincial test at age 80 and my family suggested I take it.. it was paperwork mostly and I passed but I still didnt jump into my car. As someone else suggested, I then drove in our small town on familiar streets/roads I knew, just to grocery store. I chose a nice day not too sunny no rain etc but I really had to concentrate. Of course obeyed speed etc. That summer I did some similar short journeys, never having anyone honk at me etc. But my "relaxed confident driving" just was not the same. Now with winter and snow I dont even think about it. My spouse drives me and although kind I feel in a rush in a store or an appointment... it truly is a loss. My driving record remains clean and as above I would never forgive myself if I caused an accident or injury... but I do feel confident on these short trips not on highway that I am no danger to myslef or others... it just requires total concentration and I must say over the years I do notice how aggresvie other drivers are !! I will know when its time not to turn the key in the ignition. Good luck everyone....

I admire your approach. I hope that we will handle it well when the time comes.

Hi. Thx for your comment. I've too noticed my response time slowed and it is definitely a concern. You mentioned getting another vehicle, if you can afford it, I recommend a new(er) model that has the ability to stop for you, signal loudly if you're close to another vehicle, etc. I recently upgraded to a new 4Runner and it has all those options and its made a significant difference. I realize its a luxury not all can afford but I believe it will give me a few more years of driving. I also use a lot of delivery services to save unneeded trips. Best of luck to you.

Hi angellreo, I too just purchased a new car with all safety features. I was under the impression that the car would stop to avoid an accident. My salesman was quick to clarify that the car cannot stop quickly when going at highway speeds, for example, only slow down.

@tillymack This is correct. The car knows when you take your foot off the pedal, or if you have cruise control on and the sensor is reading the road in the lane ahead of you....if it senses 'traffic', it will slow the car to match the speed of the vehicle in front, whether it's going 60 mph or only 55. For cars stopped in front of you, say at a crosswalk, it's supposed to slow enough that a collision will only set you back a few bucks and upset everyone...not injure them...ideally. It's not like the auto drivers out there where they stop automatically. Also, I believe these auto-brake features are supposed to notice pedestrians crossing in front of you when at a stop, but I'm not positive about that. I certainly would be sure to make direct eye contact with drivers before stepping in front of apparently hurried drivers whose heads are gyrating. looking for that early opening to turn right or to drive ahead.