When aging and driving don't mix; part 3

May 22, 5:14 PMAtlanta Health ExaminerAnne Davis

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Atlanta Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

When you are concerned about an elderly relative’s driving there are several steps you can take before “taking away the keys.” Remember that driving equals independence and the inability to drive is a major life change.

Adapting to changes

Driving is not necessarily an all-or-nothing activity. Some programs exist to help elderly drivers adjust their driving to changes in their physical condition: AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) sponsors the 55-Alive Mature Driver Program, which helps older people deal with issues such as how to compensate for vision problems associated with aging.

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation offers referrals to specialists who teach people with disabilities, including those associated with aging, how to improve their driving.  In Georgia, the Shepherd Center offers driver evaluation programs and certifications to return to or continue driving if able. Referring to an outside authority for an assessment can help the family and driver obtain an objective opinion which may be accepted more readily.

Elderly drivers can adjust their driving patterns to reduce the danger to themselves or others. Suggestions are:

1. Avoid driving at night and, if possible, at dawn or dusk
2. Drive only to familiar locations
3. Avoid driving to places far away from home
4. Avoid expressways (freeways) and rush hour traffic
5. Leave plenty of time to get where they are going
6. Don't drive alone

Use Other forms of transportation 

1. Encourage public transportation. 
2. Senior centers and community service agencies may offer special transportation alternatives.
3. Be prepared to offer rides when needed.

When it is time to stop

When you feel strongly that your parent cannot drive safely, you need to find ways to get them to stop driving. The best approach is to discuss your concerns and report the facts based on the information presented in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series. Other options to consider if a low key approach does not work are:

1. Stage an intervention. This approach involves pulling together a concerned group to confront the elderly driver. They can include family members, health care workers and anyone who is respected by the senior. Be firm and compassionate to work through the denial.  Work with the Physician who is a key member of the team. The American Medical Association has a program for physicians to help patients who need to stop driving. If you would like information about this program for yourself or the physician, email me at: info@healthstarsolutions.com
2. Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and report your concerns. The DMV can send a letter, which might help convince your parent to stop. In some states the DMV may have the authority to take away a driver’s license if they are driving illegally or unsafely. In Georgia, a license can be revoked “if there is sufficient evidence of incompetence or unfitness to drive, due to incapabilities by reason of disease, mental or physical disability.
3. If all else fails and there is imminent danger, take the keys, disable the car or move it to a location that is not easily accessed. Leave the headlights on all night or disconnect the battery to disable the car.

Although some of these suggestions may seem extreme, it can save the lives of not only the seniors, but also other drivers and pedestrians.