No one wants to imagine giving up the keys, and we all wait so anxiously for the privilege that the thought of losing it is scary. What’s even more frightening, though, is driving when it’s unsafe. The CDC tells us that 7,500 older adults were killed in automobile accidents in 2020.
In senior living, we often hear the question, “When should my loved one stop driving?” Safe driving is much more about ability than advanced age. While no one wants to lose their freedom, safety is paramount when getting behind the wheel.
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As we age, our vision, hearing, and ability to move freely can change, as can our response time. Our priorities also change as the years pass. We may have fewer obligations to drive at night or in heavy traffic, and as our lifestyles change, we may drive less.
We often use the phrase, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” regarding physical abilities in senior living, but this can also apply to driving. The more you do something, the better you get. However, if you cut back on something and add some visual changes or a stiff neck, driving can be challenging and unsafe for yourself and others on the road.
What Can Impact Safe Driving
- Impairments: cognitive, visual, hearing, or physical
- Taking medications or using substances that impact the above
- Having an injury or limited range of motion preventing you from stopping the car, using the mirrors, or looking over shoulders or side to side
- Dehydration
- Sleepiness
How to Address Driver’s Safety
Speaking to someone you love about their driving ability can create a rift. No one wants to be told they’re a danger to others on the road, which could make family members who bring the topic to light the bad guy. If the difficult and uncomfortable conversation doesn’t happen, the clock is ticking for accidents, injuries, or worse. Because this conversation is never easy, we contacted safety officials to get their take. We hoped for an easy button like law enforcement to the rescue or even a doctor to step in, but the consensus was that a friendly conversation should start the process.
The director of public safety for the City of Spearfish, SD, Pat Rotert, explained that there are no hard and fast rules when this issue arises. Pat recommended that families or loved ones have helpful conversations to discuss concerns about driving. If that doesn’t go well, perhaps refer them to law enforcement as a last resort. It’s not the role of law enforcement to take someone’s keys away or revoke their driver’s license. Law enforcement can respond to traffic violations, but keeping a driver’s license depends on a driving or medical evaluation.
Pat had constructive advice for those who might be squeamish about having the conversation and how it might be received: “Safety for yourself and others has no feelings about the issue.” This is an excellent way to frame the topic because it suggests that this conversation and decision are based on the greater good for everyone on the road.
We also spoke with Lawrence County Deputy Tyler Sonne. Deputy Sonne concurred with Pat’s advice above about beginning with a conversation and then, if necessary, referring to law enforcement to help evaluate someone’s driving. “Families and friends with safety concerns for someone driving can submit a Drivers Evaluation Request. The form can be found on the South Dakota State Department of Public Safety (DPS) licensing website.” If you’re interested in another state’s process, Google search for a driver’s evaluation request form.
Room for Improvement
If someone isn’t ready to give up driving, find local community classes to help them improve their abilities, or consider asking their doctor for a therapy evaluation. Taking AARP’s Smart Driver Course™ or local courses offered in the community can help drivers brush up on their skills and potentially receive a discount on their auto insurance upon course completion. Physical and occupational therapies are another avenue that can help someone get in better physical condition to improve their driving ability.
Offer Alternatives
When you have this difficult conversation with a loved one, prepare ahead of time with a list of ways that they can still get out into their community to remain active. List public transportation options, offer to set up grocery deliveries, or take them shopping if they wish to continue staying active. A plan to provide these alternatives can reduce the anxiety this type of conversation can bring about.
Consider the Positives
No longer driving can have some perks, too:
- Zero auto insurance fees
- No repair or maintenance costs
- No more car payments
- No more pumping gas in inclement weather
No matter how you slice it, giving up driving can be a challenge. If there are additional abilities and tasks you or an aging loved one could use help with, consider senior living. Many communities, like Edgewood, bring amenities and activities on-site to reduce the need to travel. Senior living can also provide some transportation for medical visits, or they may take group trips off-site into the community to remain active. Reach out to us at info@edgewoodheatlhcare.com today to learn more.
