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

“We encourage families and loved ones to start having conversations and developing alternative transportation plans as early as possible – before there is a crisis,” says Scott A. Trudeau. PhD. Director of Practice Engagement at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). “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, says Sherry Kolodziejczak, Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed and Fellow of the AOTA, who’s led family conversations and worked with drivers experiencing difficulties.

“Limiting or giving up driving is not something most would like to do,” she says. “However, those that do report improved quality of life as the awareness brings peace.

According to Kolodziejczak, 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 your or your loved one’s doctor. Additionally, Trudeau from AOTA encourages starting more comprehensively than focusing on driving alone.

“A good functional evaluation by an occupational therapist can help identify both challenges and opportunities for intervention in the various skill sets necessary for effective driving,” he says.

Driving specific assessment is only necessary when a driver’s functional status is understood and driving concerns persist, Trudeau says. If it’s determined necessary, the driving assessment involves some clinic-based tests to explore the vision, movement and cognitive abilities needed for driving. Once those tests are passed, there is often an on-road portion to evaluate ability.

Recommendations from the professionals and/or results of a driving assessment 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. Some states require regular vision tests or medical evaluations for older drivers. If they no longer meet these requirements, their driver’s license may be revoked or restricted.

SHARE YOUR STORY: Have you had a conversation with a loved one about no longer driving? Did you stop driving after someone you love asked you to stop? Reach out to agingrewired@seniorplanet.org to share your experience.

Additional Resources and Guidance

There are also many programs and resources you can access to help you through this crucial decision. What’s most important is ensuring your safety and the safety of others around you.

• We Need to Talk seminar from AARP Driver Safety: Available virtually via Zoom or through an on-demand platform, this seminar will help you determine how to assess your loved ones’ driving skills and have this important conversation.
• The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists: Organization to help you schedule a driving assessment.
• Local transportation agency: May connect your with community organizations that help with transportation alternatives, such as public transit or volunteer driver programs.
• Ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft.

Want to learn more about ride-sharing apps? Senior Planet is developing a brand new lecture on Lyft Silver, the streamlined version of the popular rides-share app designed for easier navigation and a smoother, more comfortable ride experience. Keep an eye on seniorplanet.org/caregiving for more information.

YOUR TURN

Have you had a discussion about senior driving with someone close to you? How did it go? Let us know in the comments.

Xavier Villarmarzo is a Communication Manager with AARP. Based in Washington, D.C., he enjoys jogging through the city’s many historical sites and making dishes from his Cuban-American culture for family and friends. He is a contributor to the Senior Planet team.