Older drivers: staying safe and knowing when to stop
Driving often means independence, and health changes with age can affect it. This guide covers warning signs, ways to stay safer, how to talk about driving and other ways to get around.
General information only. This guide is not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a physician, and with an elder-law or financial professional where money or legal papers are involved, about your own situation.
Warning signs families notice
Changes in vision, hearing, movement, memory and medicines can affect driving. Families often notice signs like these, which are worth raising with the person and their doctor:
- New dents or scrapes on the car, near misses or crashes
- Traffic tickets or warnings, or getting lost on familiar roads
- Missing traffic signs, mistakes at intersections or hitting curbs
- Mixing up the gas and brake pedals
- Worry about driving at night, or friends mentioning unsafe driving
Ways to stay safer on the road
Older adults are often careful drivers. The National Institute on Aging and CDC suggest steps like these:
- Have regular eye and hearing checks, and wear glasses or hearing aids while driving
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review all medicines for side effects that affect driving
- Drive in daylight and good weather, and plan routes on familiar, well-lit streets
- Take a driver safety course, or ask a trained specialist to check driving skills
- Stay physically active to keep strength and flexibility
Talking about driving
For many people, giving up the keys feels like losing freedom. Start early, plan what you will say and learn about local rides first.
If talks stall, a doctor can be part of a family conversation. This is a decision to make with the person and their doctor.
- Use "I" statements, such as "I worry about your safety," rather than blame
- Talk about driving skills, not age
- Focus on safety and on keeping up the activities they enjoy
- Expect strong feelings, and come back to the topic over time
Other ways to get around
Many people worry about losing their independence without a car. There may be more ways to get around than they expect.
The Eldercare Locator, at 800-677-1116 or online, connects families with their local Area Agency on Aging to find transportation help.
- Rides from family, friends or volunteers from religious and civic groups
- Public transit, taxis or ride share services, some free or low cost for older adults in some areas
- Community carpools or scheduled trips to shops and doctor visits
- Delivery of groceries, meals and medicines to cut down on trips
Frequently asked questions
No. People age differently, so there is no single age to stop. It helps to look at driving skills and health instead.
Some people in the early stages keep driving for a while. As memory and judgment change, most will need to stop, and they may not notice problems themselves.
A driving rehabilitation specialist or occupational therapist can check driving skills. A doctor or the state motor vehicle office may suggest someone. There may be a fee.
Sources
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