Is It Time to Hand in Your Car Keys?
- Brittney Pierce
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Driving is a symbol of independence for many people, and, after decades of driving, it can be easy to forget the feeling you had when you first received your driver’s license. However, there may come a point when it’s important to honestly assess whether it’s safe for you – or your loved one – to continue to drive.
Age is not the determining factor in this situation, as some drivers may be able to drive safely for the rest of their lives. Older drivers are safe drivers overall. However, multiple other factors can contribute to increased risk in driving, including medical conditions or changes in physical and mental abilities. Knowing when to limit or stop driving is critical, while also maintaining your or your loved one’s quality of life.
Early Conversations
It is encouraged for families and loved ones to start having conversations and developing alternative transportation plans as early as possible – before there is a crisis. Research suggests that most older adults will outlive their ability to drive by seven to ten years. So, setting plans and preferences in motion early is ideal.
Early conversations with loved ones avoid feelings of being blindsided. It also makes the topic more approachable and positive. Who initiates the conversation is also an important factor. If planning for yourself, make sure it’s with friends and family you trust who can help you transition over time. If it’s for a loved one, especially an older parent, consult with other family members to determine who your loved one would be most receptive to. The conversations can begin discreetly and individually and could progress over time to include more members of the family.
Making a Plan
Once you’re in the habit of having conversations with your loved ones, make a point to note where and how often you or your loved one are driving. Then, you can plan for how to get around in the event of stopping or limiting driving. The hope is that this will happen gradually over time but can also have you prepared in case stopping happens sooner than expected or wanted.
Importance of Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is difficult, but critically important as we age with grace and dignity. Limiting or giving up driving is not something most would like to do, however, those that do, report improved quality of life as the awareness brings peace.
One of the key steps in self-regulation is reviewing your health history, including any physical or cognitive changes. These can include vision problems, hearing loss, slowed reaction times, reduced motor skills, or increasing lapses in memory. In addition to health changes, there are also concerning changes in you or your loved one’s driving to look out for:
Almost crashing, with frequent “close calls”
Finding dents and scrapes on the car more often – or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, etc.
Getting lost more often
Having trouble seeing or following traffic signals, road signs or markings
Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps
Receiving multiple traffic tickets or “warnings” from law enforcement officers
Seeking Professional Help
After seeing the signs of change, a good first step is to talk to you or your loved one’s doctor. A good functional evaluation can help identify both challenges and opportunities for intervention in various skill sets necessary for effective driving. Recommendations from professionals can help you set a plan in motion – from fully stopping driving to making some changes (i.e. different medications, rehabilitation, or assistive devices). Professional intervention will also be helpful for family members who may be reluctant to limit or stop driving, especially after a serious medical diagnosis such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.
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