Do you remember when you got your first driver's license? I do. It gave me a sense of pride and independence. And now, many years later, if my car is in the shop and I don't have access to another car, I feel a bit lost. If you feel the same, imagine how you would feel if someone took your driver's license away and told you that you could never drive again.
This happens to some older adults. Sometimes, they no longer feel comfortable driving and decide to give up their keys, and sometimes it's a concerned loved one who determines it's no longer safe for them to drive.
But driving is more than a means of transportation. It can be a source of pride, provide a sense of identity, allow for independent living, and provide a way to connect with others. Losing or giving up your driver's license can be traumatic, cause anger and frustration, reduce independence, make you feel trapped or burdensome, create social isolation, and more.
On the other hand, as we age, our bodies change, and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following factors may make older drivers less safe on the road:
While some factors may result in safety issues for older drivers, getting older is not an automatic reason to give up driving. On the plus side, the NHTSA also reports the following:
So, before you try to force someone to give up their driver's license, look at their driving, and consider all options (perhaps eliminating night driving is enough). And if you decide an older driver is no longer safe behind the wheel, approach the topic gently.
The NHTSA states, "The challenge is to balance mobility for older drivers with safety for all road users."
Whether you're concerned about your own driving or that of an aging loved one, there are steps you can take to help determine if it's time to give up the car keys:
Watch for the Following Warning Signs:
Telling an older loved one that you believe they are no longer safe to drive can be an extremely difficult conversation. Here are some tips:
This pamphlet offers help with that conversation. It discusses the best time to begin the conversation, circumstances that create conversation opportunities, etc.
If you or an aging loved one has decided it's time to retire the car keys, plenty of options exist to help maintain independence. Comforting Home Care by Phoebe offers senior transportation services. Whether it’s attending a grandchild's baseball game, going window shopping at the mall, or going to a doctor's appointment, we can help.
Contact us today at 610-625-5206 or connect with us online.
Comforting Home Care by Phoebe
1 Reading Dr
Wernersville, PA 19565
Phone: 610-625-5206
Comforting Home Care by Phoebe
1925 W. Turner Street
Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: 610-625-5600
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