7 min read
Conversations about driving are hard. Abilities change with age and health, and safety must come first. This guide shares signs to watch for, a simple checklist, and compassionate next steps so you can support your loved one with respect and clarity.
Why this matters
The Federal Highway Administration reports that drivers age 70 and older experience more motor vehicle fatalities than any group except drivers under age 20. Aging affects everyone differently, and chronic illness can reduce physical and cognitive abilities. Many seniors adapt successfully, yet sometimes the safest choice is to let someone else drive.
Medications and vision
Medications can affect alertness, reaction time, and judgment at any age. Vision changes, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, can also reduce safety. Bring these topics up with a clinician and ask how they may impact driving.
Start with small steps
Begin by assessing driving during a typical week. Consider a first step of limiting night driving. This helps your loved one plan ahead, practice alternatives, and adjust gradually. Once nights feel manageable without driving, you can extend that plan to some daytime trips.
Safe driving checklist for seniors
- Vision, can your loved one pass a vision test
- Vehicle, any unexplained dents on the car or garage
- Passengers, do they allow others to ride with them
- Behavior, do they appear nervous or very anxious while driving
- Routes, do they avoid major roads to reduce stress
- Intersections, do they miss red lights or stop signs
- Speed, do they drive much too fast or too slow for conditions
- Feedback, have neighbors or friends observed unsafe driving
Talk with a clinician
If you believe it is unsafe to continue driving, speak with your loved one’s physician. The doctor can evaluate vision, hearing, and reflexes, review medications, and help start a supportive conversation about safety.
Make a compassionate plan
This decision is difficult, yet no one wants to be responsible for a preventable accident. Focus on safety for your loved one and for others. If needed, a physician can provide a letter stating that driving is not advised while taking certain medications or when memory loss is present.
Know your options with the DMV
Each state has its own process for senior drivers and license renewal. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what support is available. In some cases the renewal test may not be passed, or a formal request to review driving privileges can be made.
Build reliable alternatives
Line up rides for medical appointments, groceries, community events, and visits with loved ones. Consistent transportation reduces isolation and supports independence at home.
Call to action
Need help setting up reliable rides or talking through next steps. Call 509-606-0177 or contact us to schedule a free consultation and plan safe transportation together.
