We
have all seen it, read it in the newspaper or are struggling with this
issue in our own families. Driving while old. Although it is
not a crime, older drivers are at higher risks for accidents due to
decreased reflexes, cognitive decline and poor eyesight.
According to the Automobile Association of America, senior drivers are at a higher risk of having a serious collision per mile driven than any other age group except for those under age 25. Drivers in their late 70’s have about the same number of injury-involved crashes per mile driven as drivers in their early 20’s. And drivers age 85 and older are injured or killed in crashes at a higher rate than any other age group.
Getting the car keys is a form of independence most of us look forward to as teenagers. It’s an independence few older people want to give up even though the risks to have an accident are increased. And this is the problem.
If you feel your family member or client is in danger and putting other people in danger you need to act. Find alternative transportation; ask the person to take a driving course and/or test; speak to their doctor who can write to the DMV to revoke the license. This last recommendation may cause bad feelings…but not as bad as feelings if an accident occurred and people got hurt. Of course, the car keys can be taken away. It’s important to provide positive strategies to counteract this loss the senior will feel if their driving privileges are taken from them.
Check with your local AAA or DMV for resources for classes, testing and revoking licenses. Have the discussion of alternative transportation early and often to avoid clashes (which are better than crashes!)
