Tips to Help Elderly Drivers

Health and Wellness - Aging

By: hummingbirdee     08-Sep-2012

Introduction:

Elderly drivers often need some help to decide how to be better drivers or to entirely stop driving. It is one of the most difficult subjects to discuss with a parent or senior loved one.

Take a Drive

Elderly drivers are masterful at hiding their driving problems. Going for a ride with them helps you to make an assessment of their skills at the wheel. You can check to see if they drive too fast or too slow. You can see if they stay in their own lane or tailgate others. Some senior drivers have a problem backing up and they often hit things like fences or mailboxes.

Evaluate the Car

Elderly drivers with driving problems will have some minor accidents or tickets. They might be able to hide their tickets from concerned relatives, but the physical evidence is difficult to hide. The car could have dents, scrapes or paint streaks of a different color on it. Look for any damages around the driveway as well.

Friendly Discussion

It may be difficult to talk about driving safety with elderly drivers, but it has to be done. It needs to be done in a kind way without seeming too concerned or dramatic. Start out by telling them you are worried about their safety. They may not realize that some of their driving skills need some help.

Work on Driving Skills

Elderly drivers do not always need to discontinue driving at the first sign of a problem. They can often be helped by a mature driver's course. Check with organizations like AAA or a local driving school. Senior drivers may discover that they drive perfectly fine in daylight hours or when they are taking routes that they are familiar with.

Arrange Help With Transportation

Elderly drivers may find that it is time to stop driving for their safety and for the safety of others on the road. When this happens, they will need transportation. Family and friends can be of service. There are also community transportation services that will help. Make the transition as positive and easy for them as possible.





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Comments

  • dptstretch 9/10/2012

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    I echo the other commenters...and I am especially pleased to see an idea about classes for elderly drivers. We retrain workers...why not people we care about? Seems logical to me! H5

  • goodselfme 9/10/2012

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    Your list is thoughtful and smart.

  • BonnieDossKnight 9/8/2012

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    You nailed it! Since I got rear-ended, my Fibro-fog got worse and I've just about quit driving. All seniors should realize when it's time to trade in the keys for the couch. You gave some great tips for caregivers and family. HI5


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