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The
first conversations about safe driving should occur long before driving
becomes a problem. Hearing sensitive information from the right person
can help with this conversation. Remember, older adults typically prefer
to speak with someone they trust. When approaching the topic of possibly not
driving any more, be patient and expect to have several conversations to
achieve a balance between safety and independence, know that men may require
more repeat conversations than women, don’t be dissuaded by initial negative
reactions and during each conversation, share your genuine safety
concerns and desire to protect the driver’s best interests. Although
challenging, these conversations can work. More than half of the older
adults followed the suggestions made in conversations about driving.
Effective conversations encourage future planning and show
respect for the older adult’s ability to make appropriate decisions. When
you observe the older person modifying his or her driving habits, use these
opportunities to explore transportation options together to give the older
adult time to adjust to them. Sometimes asking "what-if" questions
encourages advance planning - like "What if something happened and you
couldn't drive? What would you do?"
Most older drivers agree to limit or stop driving after
patient and caring conversations with family members. If the driver refuses
to comply, you may need to enlist the support of a doctor or driver
rehabilitation specialist for a formal driver assessment. If the older
driver has dementia, families should be vigilant about observing driving.
Dementia eventually robs the driver of necessary skills and diminish insight
into driving ability. There is no single, simple test to determine if
someone is a safe driver. However, there are tests for critical skills
needed for driving. Tests for reflexes, vision, flexibility and visual
attention should be done. These can be done by your doctor or the Veterans
Administration if the person is a veteran.
The bottom line is that we all have to stop driving
eventually. It robs the driver of independence and sometimes their
pride, so its an upsetting occurrence. Be sympathetic, yet concerned
for the safety of everyone involved. Remember, some day someone will
be having this conversation with you.
Once you turn 50 years old, you do get some advantages by
getting discounts on your car insurance premiums if you qualify though.
If you or your spouse is 50 or over, you may quality for a much lower
insurance rate. Get a quote today to find out!
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