Americans are living longer than ever before. This is due to healthier lifestyles, increased exercise, greater awareness about nutrition, and more advanced medications to either control or delay the onset of old age. So, when do they become to old to drive?
Aging slows down your physical, and neurological mobility. Simple everyday tasks, once easy to perform become more daunting. We are robbed of our independence. Driving is one of the last frontiers of freedom we have. This makes it hard for an adult child to tell a parent, or love one that they shouldn't drive anymore because their ability is impaired, and they are a danger to themselves, and others. Expect them to put up a fight.
You should watch for a change in a parent's driving ability, such as, driving slower, poor reaction time to lights, and signs, more timid about faster drivers, reluctant to drive on the freeway. This is a good time to ask how he/she has been feeling lately.
Look for any unusual complaints like more tired than usual, not seeing as well, hearing seems impaired, etc.. Pay attention to his/her behavior around the house. It could be a case of over medication. When was the last time he/she had a checkup. They won't admit to physical ailments. This is when we have to take charge. We should rule out medical causes first for the change in driving habits. If it is not a medical problem, it is old age slowing down the senses. It could be their sight, hearing, or just a slowing reaction time.
Offer to drive to the grocery store, or movies with them. Observe their diriving skills to see if anything is different. Are they driving in a manner that could cause an accident, or put them in harm's way. If a difference is noticed in their driving ability, contact the family and call a meeting to discuss your findings.
If you find a parent is too dangerous on the road, develop a plan on how to address the findings. Develop a plan that works best for your situation. Be as caring as possible. When you offer your observations, don't sound accusatory. This is their freedom being taken away, so it won't be easy. Put yourself in their shoes. They will be angry, and rebellious. Do not hold it against them. Tell them you are doing this because you love them, and want them to be safe.
Taking away a parent's driving privilege is a difficult thing to do, so you may not succeed. If your parent has always been independent, the last thing he/she want is to depend on you or anyone else for help. It is vital that you have a plan in place that will be easy, and simple to follow. Make sure it does not interfere with their usual routine.
Our responsibility is to make sure that safe driving habits are not only practiced by our children, but by our aging parents as well. Take good care of them, and treat them with the same dignity, and respect that you would want for yourself when you are their age. It is never as far away as we think.
Verlia Caldwell
President/Owner
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