When should an older adult stop driving?

This is a question that many seniors and caregivers wonder about as they navigate the aging process. As the American population ages, so do the people behind the wheel; it is expected that by 2025 one in five drivers in the United States will be 65 or older.

Often, this is not a problem. Plenty of people can continue to drive safely and competently well into their older years and pose no threat to themselves or others on the road. Driving is a skill that many rely on to stay engaged in the community, get to appointments, and maintain their sense of independence. For older adults and others, the ability to drive may represent freedom and empowerment.

On the other hand, aging can come with physical and cognitive changes that affect reflexes, vision, hearing, concentration, decision-making, and other capabilities that are necessary for safe driving. These changes may happen quickly or gradually, with or without a formal diagnosis, and at any age. As potential risk factors increase, it is important to be aware if changes occur that may impact road safety.
There is no “one size fits all” rule for when — or if — someone should stop driving. One driver  might be perfectly safe on the road at 80 years old; another person might have significantly impaired driving skills before the age of 60. Age is far from the only factor to take into consideration, as every individual ages differently and each situation is unique.

In some cases, an older adult may voluntarily choose to stop driving as they notice changes. In others, a caregiver or loved one may be the first to notice warning signs and become concerned.
 
What should I do if I am concerned?
If you are wondering whether it is still safe for someone to drive, observing their driving skills and/or suggesting that they do a driving self-assessment is a good first step. A formal, comprehensive driving evaluation with a trained professional may also be an option. If driving skills could use a refresher, look for a driving rehabilitation course or a workshop for mature drivers.

Consider exploring the state of Michigan’s page on “Keeping Aging Drivers Driving Safely”. This webpage offers information for older adults and their family and friends — including driving self-assessment resources and information on how various health conditions may impact driving.

To help determine if there is reason for worry, try watching for these warning signs:

• Accidents or near-accidents, or dents or scrapes on the car
• Health issues that may affect vision, hearing, movement, or cognition
• Inattentiveness, difficulty concentrating, or slower reaction times
• Poor judgment: for example, straddling lanes, making wide turns, not yielding right-of-way, or failing to check mirrors and blind spots
• Getting lost more frequently than usual or on familiar routes
• Violating traffic laws or having trouble reading traffic signs
• Confusing brake and accelerator pedals, or forgetting to use turn signals
• Anxiety about driving or increased complaints about other drivers on the road
• Traffic tickets or warnings, or increased car insurance premiums related to driving issues

Especially if you cannot personally observe your loved one at the wheel, pay attention to comments from neighbors, friends, or other family members who may have noticed unsafe, erratic, or aggressive driving.
 
How do we have “the talk”?
The possibility of giving up driving is often a very sensitive topic, which may not be easy to broach or discuss. Still, having the conversation is important for the safety of your loved one and of others on the road.

Consider:

• Asking for the older adult’s perspective. Your loved one may have noticed problems in their own driving. Take the time to listen to their point of view. Do they feel safe behind the wheel? Do they have concerns?
• Asking for others’ perspectives. Are your worries shared by other trusted family or friends in the older adult’s circle? You might ask them to help you observe your loved one’s driving to get another opinion, or to be part of the discussion.
• Being supportive and compassionate. Be prepared for your loved one to be defensive, sad, or angry. Approaching the possibility of giving up driving can feel like a major loss of independence, and for many people it is emotionally difficult to recognize or admit impairment or declining function. Try to be empathetic and validate their feelings while honestly sharing your concerns and observations.
• Getting a professional opinion. It may be effective to reach out to a doctor about your concerns, or to ask your loved one to do so. A doctor can initiate the discussion, or participate in a conversation and provide a recommendation as to whether they believe their patient should quit driving or modify their driving habits. A formal driving evaluation may also be helpful; for more information, see the AARP’s article on formal driving assessments.

​The AARP offers a free online seminar called We Need to Talk with guidance to help with assessing your loved ones’ driving skills and having the conversation. The Health in Aging Foundation also offers a tip sheet with more recommendations for approaching the discussion.
Keep in mind that whether to continue driving does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Some people may keep their license but avoid driving at night, alone, or on major roads — or limit themselves to familiar routes. Think and talk about what could work best for your loved one in their specific situation, striking a balance between freedom and safety.
 
What if driving is no longer a safe option?
Hanging up the keys doesn’t have to mean losing the ability to get around. While stopping driving is a difficult decision that might feel like a loss of freedom, there are other ways that a person can be empowered to stay mobile. When considering whether or not your loved one is safe behind the wheel, don’t forget to explore other transportation resources and know what is available!
In Washtenaw County, transportation options include:

• TheRide: Buses operating in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. Riders over the age of 65 can qualify for a card allowing them to take the bus for free.
• A-Ride: Accessible, reservation-based buses for individuals with disabilities in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area.
• WAVE Bus: Door-to-door transportation within Western Washtenaw County, with fixed route connectors to other parts of the county. Discounted fares for older adults are available.
• U-M transit system: Bus routes around the University of Michigan campus and Michigan Medicine areas in Ann Arbor. These buses are free to the public.
• JFS transportation services: Low-cost, handicap-accessible transportation for individuals and families. Sliding scale fees are available; contact your JFS caseworker for more information.
• Feonix: No-cost transportation for Washtenaw County residents ages 60+ who are seeking transportation to healthcare, medical care, and to access food.
• Transportation services such as Lyft, Uber, taxis, or other private companies will, for a fee, take you anywhere you need to go.

 
Resources
Michigan’s Guide for Aging Drivers and their Families
Safe Driving for Older Adults — National Institute on Aging
Tip Sheet: Discussing When it’s Time to Stop Driving — Health in Aging Foundation
We Need to Talk: Family Conversations With Older Drivers  — AARP
 
 ​