Are you worried your aging parent might not be safe behind the wheel? Many older adults can still drive well, but age-related changes and health issues can increase risks. In this piece, we'll share common signs that it may be time to stop driving, what makes driving harder for seniors, and how to approach the conversation.
Worried About Senior Driving Safety?
It’s common for adult children to worry about an aging parent’s driving skills, but it can be tough to start that conversation.
It’s a sensitive topic, especially for older adults who fear losing their independence or being seen as incapable.
Before making any assumptions, remember that many older adults can still be safe drivers well into their 80s and 90s.
But it's also common for seniors to have impaired vision, hearing problems, slower reaction time, medical conditions, and health issues that can make driving difficult or downright dangerous.
With an activity as risky as driving, it’s best to be proactive and regularly assess your parents’ driving ability.
It can be challenging to admit that they’re declining, but it would be a tragedy if they got into an accident and seriously hurt themselves or someone else.
We explain when to talk with seniors about their driving, what factors make driving more risky, and share seven warning signs that seniors should stop driving.
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How to Know when Seniors Should Stop Driving
If you ask outright, your aging parent won’t want to discuss their driving ability.
You’re more likely to hear they’re just as skilled as they were when they taught YOU to drive!
A better approach is to look for warning signs before having a discussion.
That helps you decide whether to insist on talking about it because there are real reasons to worry, or if the conversation can be delayed because their driving skills are still strong.
In some cases, it may help to request a driving test or evaluation through the Department of Motor Vehicles or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist.
What Makes Driving More Risky for Seniors?
Assessing your older adult’s driving ability helps to understand regular changes in the body that can make driving more risky for seniors.
Being aware of these changes helps you identify potential problems with their driving.
Even though there is no average age at which people should stop driving, these normal age-related changes in the body can increase the risk of car accidents.
Physical changes
- Decreased vision, impaired hearing, and slower reflexes make it harder to see, hear, and respond to other cars or pedestrians.
- Pain or stiffness in the neck or back makes it difficult to turn and see clearly when changing lanes or checking for pedestrians.
- Leg pain, weakness, or reduced mobility makes it harder to switch between gas and brake pedals and press hard enough.
- General loss of strength can make fast, accurate steering more difficult.
Cognitive changes
- Slower reaction time means taking more time to notice merging cars or responding when the vehicle ahead slows or stops.
- As one’s multitasking ability decreases, driving safely and keeping track of road signs, traffic lights, other cars, pedestrians, and other “normal” distractions becomes more difficult.
7 Warning Signs that Parents Should Stop Driving
1. Their car has fresh dents and scrapes
A good place to start is by examining their vehicle.
Are there recent dents and scrapes? Is there any damage to their mailbox, fence, driveway area, curbs, or garage door?
If you can, determine if their auto insurance rates have changed or if they’ve gotten any traffic tickets or warnings.
2. Their driving habits have changed
Significant changes in driving habits are definite red flags.
For example, are they rolling through stop signs when they used to always come to a complete stop?
Do they now change lanes without even glancing at their blind spot? Has a lifetime seatbelt wearer stopped buckling up?
Are they having trouble with right turns or avoiding them altogether?
3. They’re straining to see
Being able to see well is essential to safe driving.
If your older adult has a vision problem like cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma, they definitely won’t be safe behind the wheel no, matter what they say.
Other issues could also interfere with their ability to see.
Can they see over the steering wheel? Losing height to osteoporosis or a curved spine can make this a challenge.
And if they’re stiff or in pain, they might have trouble turning to check their blind spot or rear view for lane changes or backing up.
4. Driving has become stressful, confusing, or exhausting
Driving can become stressful and tiring if your older adult works hard to compensate for any physical challenges.
They might also show signs of confusion and anger or be easily distracted.
Signs that cause concern include:
- Getting lost more easily, even in familiar areas.
- Struggling to back up or turn the car around.
- Having trouble seeing or keeping track of traffic signals, road signs, or pavement markings.
- Mixing up the gas and brake pedals or pressing them both simultaneously.
- Not being able to tolerate any distractions.
- Responding slowly to unexpected situations, such as hearing sirens or seeing emergency vehicles.
- Having road rage or causing other drivers to honk.
5. They’re having close calls
If your older adult has had several narrowly missed accidents, that’s a sign that their driving skills are deteriorating.
This could happen because drivers are misjudging gaps in traffic, misreading traffic signals or road signs, or underestimating the speed of oncoming cars.
6. Driving at night makes them nervous
If your loved one has become reluctant to drive at night, it’s a sign to pay closer attention to their overall driving skills.
They should also consider whether any medications they take may cause drowsiness or other side effects that make night driving especially dangerous.
7. Other people are getting scared
If your loved one's friends or other relatives aren’t comfortable riding in their car anymore or say something to you about their driving, pay attention to those concerns.
It’s not a good sign when people are too scared to ride in the car!
If it reaches the point where their driver’s license needs to be reviewed or revoked, contact your state’s DMV to learn what options or procedures are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you determine if an elderly person is safe to drive?
Look for signs like dents or scrapes on the car, changes in driving habits, difficulty seeing or hearing, and increased confusion or stress while driving. Notice if they struggle with traffic signs or lights or make mistakes with gas and brake pedals. You can also suggest a driving test through the Department of Motor Vehicles or a driving evaluation with a specialist.
How to tell parents to stop driving?
Start by expressing concern for their safety and the safety of others. Share specific examples of risky driving behavior you’ve seen or heard about. Avoid being confrontational—ask questions and listen. Involve a doctor if needed, especially if medical conditions or medications may affect their driving.
What if an elderly parent refuses to stop driving?
If your parent refuses, gather evidence of unsafe driving, such as accident reports or complaints from others. Talk to their doctor about medical concerns. You can also contact your local DMV to ask about a license review process. In some states, anyone can report a potentially unsafe driver for reassessment.
Recommended for you:
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- How Often Should Seniors Bathe? 3 Essential Health Tips
- Signs of Normal Aging: Memory, Eyes, Ears, Bones, Digestion
A version of this article was originally published on Sixty and Me
About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
