Warning signs that indicate it might be time for your family member to stop driving
Watch for these signs of a dangerous driver:
- Find out if his auto insurance rates have increased recently or if he's received traffic tickets or warnings.
- Check to see if his car has new dents or nicks.
- Pay attention if he's reluctant to drive at night, seems tense or exhausted after driving, or complains of getting lost.
- Discreetly check in with his friends and neighbors and ask if they've noticed any driving problems.
When you accompany your family member on an errand or an outing, encourage him to take the wheel and look for these signs of driving problems:
- Does he fasten his seat belt?
- Does he sit comfortably at the wheel, or does he crane forward or show signs of discomfort?
- Does he seem tense and preoccupied, or easily distracted?
- Is he aware of traffic lights, road signs, pedestrians, and the reactions of other motorists?
- Does he often tailgate or drift toward the oncoming lane or into other lanes?
- Does he react slowly or with confusion in unexpected situations?
If you drive with him a few times and notice problems, it's time to initiate a discussion about your concerns and whether it might be time for to stop driving. (See also Checklist: 8 Ways to Assess Someone's Driving).
I took my dads keys last year. I see now that I did the right thing. He is totally blind in his right eye, has dementia, and Parkinsons. When I took his keys he said he came to visit me but couldn't remember where I lived. So, that was my cue that it was time. He still thinks there is nothing wrong with him but he is a danger to himself and to others. BTW, he hit the same tree in the front yard 4 times in 1 week even though that tree had been there for over 30 years.
Thanks for having this info available. My brother asks me if we should take Dad's keys frequently but I don't think we should yet. I see by your suggestions that the things I have been watching are the same as you recommend so I feel better that my decision is the right one at this time.
This is helpful. My brother is 81 years old and has gluacoma. His night driving is really bad and daytime driving isn't much better in bright sun, but he won't give up his keys. This might help with aproaching the problem differently. Thank you.
Thank you. The "Warning Signs . . ." and the tips in "Go Driving with your Parents" were particularly helpful. The information was new to me--things I'd never have thought of!!
After almost having three accidents in 48 hours, I voluntarily stopped driving. I am somewhat mentally impaired but hadn't realized how it was affecting my driving. I'm sure that God was helping me realize this. I did not show the symptoms on your list but each of these accidents would have been all my fault. My Bible Study Group said "Thanx".