September 18, 2013

There are no state laws that deal directly with elderly drivers when they begin to pose a risk to other drivers. Therefore, family members are often left to step in. A recent article discusses how you can determine when your loved one should hang up the keys. 

The record for the highest rate of fatal crashes per mile driven belongs not to teens, but to seniors over the age of 80. This is because many seniors continue driving after it becomes obvious that it is no longer safe for them to do so. The most common ailments among seniors that increase their risk factor on the roads are vision problems, slower reaction times, and various other effects of aging.

If you believe that an older member of your family is no longer fit to drive, test your assertion by taking a short car ride with him or her. Look for telltale signs of hindered driving, such as a failure to be able to judge gaps in traffic, follow traffic signals, remember directions, or maneuver and park the car.

If you believe, after riding with your loved one, that he or she can no longer drive safely, it is important to address the matter head on. Select the person in your family that your loved one is most likely to listen to, and have him or her express that your loved one may not be safe on the road. Prior to this conversation, research alternative transportation options available in your loved one’s area, and the cost of each. This will help create a smoother transition for your loved one when they stop driving.