When it’s time to stop driving
Driving a vehicle conveys a major source of independence for everyone from high schoolers to senior citizens. For the older generation, the idea of losing that sense of independence can be frightening. How would I go grocery shopping? What about visiting friends and family? How will I get to the doctor? The answer is to create a strong network of alternatives which can help ease the transition from driver to passenger.
These days, there are many alternatives to driving oneself. Ask family and friends to set aside time to drive you places. Utilize the delivery services available for everything from groceries to meals, medications, and other goods. Look into in-home care and services, which can provide hairdressing, medical treatment, and caregiving at home. Mass transit options (buses and trains) can be fast and inexpensive, while para-transit options can offer door-to-door transportation.
If you have questions about a loved one’s ability to drive safely, request an evaluation from a doctor. Some health issues that may hinder safe driving include dementia, stroke, hearing or vision loss, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Adding driving restrictions may be a less painful intermediate step before deciding it’s time to stop driving completely. Avoiding driving at night or in inclement weather, driving only in familiar places or within a certain radius of home, and staying off highways and freeways are a few examples.
Riding with seniors as their passenger is a great way to monitor their abilities to be safe behind the wheel. Look for warning signs such as stopping at green lights, hitting the gas instead of the brake, running stop signs or red lights, getting lost frequently, changing lanes without looking, and having accidents.
Have a Conversation about Safe Driving
When it’s time to initiate the “safe driving” conversation with an older driver, be sure to communicate openly and respectfully. Avoid making generalizations and jumping to conclusions so they don’t feel like they are under attack. Remain positive and supportive for the best results, focusing on working together and driving safely. Keep the discussion private to avoid alienating and embarrassing your loved one, and always ask before you speak with the driver’s physician and friends. Do your research, concentrating on facts like medical conditions and medications that may make driving unsafe.
Initiate the conversation early, acknowledging that everyone must stop driving eventually. This way, there will be plenty of time to ride along with the driver, determine transportation needs, and come up with a solution that works for everyone.
