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December 2007

Is It Time to Hang Up the Keys?

Because everyone ages differently, some drivers are safe behind the wheel well into their eighth or ninth decade, while others need to find other sources of transportation sooner. Seniors typically will drive as long as possible, and sometimes longer than they should, to maintain their independence, which according to recent research is a priority for most people over 60.

Often, a driver will not recognize that his or her abilities are waning - or is unwilling to admit it. Discussing the issue can be difficult, but it may be time to have this crucial conversation if you notice any of these "warning signs":

• Dents and scrapes on the car or on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, etc.; Frequent "close calls";
• Other drivers frequently honk at the driver;
• The driver is increasingly frustrated with or angry at other drivers;
• The driver seems distracted or agitated when driving;
• Friends or relatives do not want to ride with the driver;
• Frequent and recent traffic tickets or "warnings" by traffic or law enforcement officers; or
• The driver seemingly ignores traffic signals, road signs and pavement markings.

If you see any of these signs, it's time to watch the individual's behavior for further inicators of a problem:

• The driver has trouble checking over the shoulder while backing up or changing lanes;
• The driver is uncomfortable, nervous or fearful while driving;
• The driver has difficulty staying in the lane of travel;
• The driver gets lost or disoriented easily;
• The driver has a medical condition or is on medications that could affect his ability to handle the car safely; or
• The driver has difficulty seeing the sides of the road when looking straight ahead.

The signs above indicate a potential problem, but they do not necessarily mean it is time to quit driving. Often, a driver can overcome many of these issues by recognizing their limitations, brushing up on their driving skills or taking a driving course specially designed for older drivers. Encourage a driving evaluation through your local Department of Motor Vehicles, along with refresher driving lessons and the AARP Driver Safety course.

Offer the individual some self-evaluation tools to assess driving risk. Driver assessment questionnaires are available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

You can also explore with the individual ways to reduce driving, such as making purchases online or through mail-order catalogs. If possible, arrange for home delivery of groceries and home visits by clergy, medical and personal care providers and government service providers. Research and propose alternative modes of transportation. Maybe the senior can continue to drive some of the time (such as in the daytime or off the freeway), and alternative transportation can fill the need for rides at other times.

If it is time to talk about no longer driving, approach the issue with sensitivity and expect resistance. A driver's license signifies freedom and independence and driving is not a privilege that someone usually wants to give up. If necessary, garner support from the individual's primary care physician and other family members. Start slowly and try to make it their decision:

• Seek confirmation of the situation. Some elderly drivers may be aware of their faltering ability, but another person's concerns may force the senior driver to act.
• Ask questions, rather than make demands, and offer to make small concessions at first - for example, "Would you consider not driving at night?"
• Remind the driver of the danger of serious injuries and that the safety of others is also at risk.
• Emphasize monetary savings - the cost savings associated with giving up a car may be a selling point for some older drivers.
• Volunteer to provide rides on a regular basis for things like grocery shopping, library visits or doctors' appointments.

Don't expect the driver to give up the keys on the first conversation. Be prepared to discuss the issue often. If you feel the driver's immediate safety - or that of others - may be at risk with him behind the wheel, get help to intervene, up to and including reporting the driver to the authorities.

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