Is it Time for Your Parents to Stop Driving?

Every few months, one of these appears on the news. An elderly driver has a horrific car accident. On Valentine’s Day in Florida, this eighty year old woman one was caught on tape slamming into the motor vehicle office where she was scheduled to retake her drivers exam.

Every time one of these accidents occurs, it’s usually the same excuse — the driver got confused and stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake.

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2002 there were 19.9 million licensed drivers age 70 and older in the U.S., yet they accounted for 12% of traffic fatalities, 12% of all vehicle occupant fatalities and 16% of pedestrian fatalities. Collision rates per mile driven increase after age 70 and increase more rapidly after age 80.”

Those of us with parents who are active drivers will eventually have to wrestle with this issue: Asking your parent to consider giving up their mobility and freedom for the sake of their safety and others.

Be prepared for a wide range of negative reactions: anger, resentment, dismissive
It’s only natural. Who wouldn’t defend their freedom and independence?

Sure, every person is different. Many are fortunate to have great control over their body and minds at later ages. But for others, the reality is physical/mental impairments and medications can influence driver judgment and reduced reaction time.

So what to do?

If your parent is insistent on maintaining his/her mobility, maybe it’s time to relocate them. If you can’t have them live with you, active adult communities are really nice places. I wish I lived in the place my in-laws live.

The residents have access to all sorts of great facilities and activities. They can walk short distances to the community club house. Group trips are frequently organized.

Reduce the need for trips out of the home/off the grounds.

• Order groceries online and have them delivered to the home. Internet grocers are making a comeback.
• Do all banking online so there’s no need for trips to the bank and post office. Electronic transfers and bill pay are extremely convenient and safer than ever.
• Get them active in a hobby. Gardening, documenting your family history for their grandchildren, etc.

Point is, you can’t force your parent to give up driving. It is a decision they need to make. But if you can present solutions that make it reasonable, hopefully you make an effective case to get your parent to voluntarily comply.

Of course, if your parent is a hazard to others (e.g. He/she has had many accidents or near misses), you have to be forceful and put a stop to it before someone is killed. Talk to the motor vehicle department or Police Department to get the license revoked.

Please share your experience.
Thanks.
Roland

Resources:
SeniorDrivers.org

AAA Safety Tips for Older Drivers