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When Is the Right Time for an Elderly Driver to Turn Over the Keys?
Are you concerned about the safety of an elderly driver? While many senior citizens are careful drivers, the risk of having a serious accident increases after age 70. What’s more, the risk is even higher for drivers 80 and older. Nonetheless, there are many other factors that influence decisions around the topic of elderly driving. Here is a guide to help families deal with whether an older person should continue driving or relinquish the keys to prevent accidents and legal liabilities.
What are some warning signs of an at-risk elderly driver?
If you are concerned it might be time for your elderly family member to stop driving, look for one or more of the following signs.
- Two or more recent traffic tickets
- More than one accident in a short time period
- Unexplained scratches and dents on the car
- Frequent complaints about other drivers
- Anxiety about driving
- Diminished reaction time, slower reflexes
- Increased forgetfulness in non-driving situations
- Health issues such as problems with vision, hearing or mobility
- Medications that can impair driving ability
- Concerns voiced by friends or other family members
In addition, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable letting them drive your children. If the answer is no, it may be time for some intervention.
Elderly driving and common health conditions that affect driving ability?
- Dementia or increasing forgetfulness
- Impaired vision or hearing
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Parkinson’s disease
- Arthritis serious enough to limit mobility
- Diabetes
- Medications that affect driving ability such as anti-anxiety drugs, opioids and other narcotics
What can concerned family members do to ensure the safety of an elderly driver?
If you are uncertain whether your loved one should continue driving, a professional assessment may provide some answers.
First, encourage your family member to see their primary care doctor for a general health evaluation. If they are willing, accompany them to the appointment. If they prefer to go alone, you can call or email the doctor about your concerns. Privacy laws prevent physicians from discussing patients with family members without a release. However, the doctor can listen to your concerns and (hopefully) address them with the patient during the appointment.
Next, you may want to schedule an appointment with a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist. These professionals conduct independent driving evaluations and provide services to elderly people and those with disabilities. Some Michigan hospitals also have programs and specialists to evaluate and assist older drivers.
In addition, AAA and AARP offer online and in-person driver improvement courses.
How to talk to about elderly driving with someone you know
Many seniors feel defensive about the subject of relinquishing their drivers’ licenses. They may fear losing their independence or becoming dependent on others. Here are some guidelines to follow when you have “the talk.”
- First and foremost, be patient and compassionate.
- Have a conversation, not a confrontation.
- Use “I” messages, not “You” messages. Say, “I’m concerned about your safety,” rather than, “You are an unsafe driver.”
- Give the person a chance to respond and listen to what they say.
- Reassure them you don’t want to curtail their current activities and lifestyle.
- Focus on their safety rather than their age.
- Come prepared with resources and services for people who cannot drive.
- Offer to help them maintain their independence by providing rides or assisting with the cost of ride services.
- Help them locate local transportation services that offer low-cost rides to senior citizens.
- Don’t take it personally if the person becomes angry or defensive. This is a natural reaction. Offer to continue the conversation at another time.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving an elderly driver, we are here to help. Michigan accident law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.
Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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