Your Parents and Driving: What Older Drivers Need to Know

Posted in Auto Insurance

December 22nd, 2009

Driving is a rite of passage enjoyed by people of all ages. Older drivers need to be especially cautious before getting behind the wheel as the reality is that diminishing eyesight, hearing, reflex response time and a myriad of reasons associated with aging can negatively impact their driving skills. Take the case of the 86 year old gentleman who lost control of his vehicle killing 9 people at a Santa Monica farmers market in 2003. The driver confused the the accelerator pedal with the break and plowed through the pedestrian area wreaking havoc along the journey. Unfortunately, that story is only one of many.

New Testing for Senior Drivers

In response to this type of sad scenario, new insurance mandates for elderly drivers are being implemented. Florida requires that those who turn 80 must pass state required vision tests and renew their driver license’s every six years. In Georgia, insurance mandates that all drivers pass a vision retest at the time of license renewal and those at the age of 64 need to pass additional tests and report medical conditions that may impact their driving. Since the American population is living for longer periods of time, more states are sure to follow suit.

Even though those over the age of 70 are less likely to drive drunk (thus contributing to an overall decline in car accidents), their age puts them at a greater risk for becoming a fatal statistic courtesy of a collision. That is why those with aging parents and loved ones need to converse openly and honestly with elderly drivers to ensure their overall safety as well as protecting others on the rode.

Speaking with Elderly Drivers

Long before the time comes when your parents should no longer be behind the wheel, the conversations need to begin. This topic is a major “topic that needs to be addressed often, diplomatically and at different stages so the end result of no longer being able to drive is not such a shock. As long as the driver is still driving well and is mentally sharp, children, grandchildren and any family member can always express concern regarding the safety of the driver. A simple chat about a friend no longer be able to drive, recent accidents and even weather systems are the first basic steps to broaching the touchy subject.

As time goes on, even though the driver may still have high driving proficiency, there are several signs that they may be on the path to becoming an unsafe driver.

Signs of Unsafe Drivers

Some signs that it is time to really delve into the topic of this elderly problem of driving are:

• Close calls
• Tickets
• Switch in medication
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Changes in health
• Getting confused in familiar territory

When that time has come, a person very close to the driver or a person of authority such as an adult child, spouse, doctor or even a police officer needs to initiate the discussion. At that point, the talk may become more heated as the some of the hot button issues will be tossed around. The theme of this round includes:

• Addressing the warning signs
• The pros to regulating their driving
• Providing the driver with a support system including public transportation options and a shoulder to lean on
• Most importantly, addressing the risk factors involved with this type of activity

This exchange will result in either driving restrictions (i.e. only during daylight, no freeways, only when another licensed driver is in the car) or the unpleasant task of finally separating your parents from their car keys. Although the change may be difficult for the former driver to accept, as long as the act is done out of genuine concern and love, they will be able to accept the new system and move past it.

You can also bring up the issue of lower auto insurance for elderly drivers with clean records who drive less often.

Have you had to discuss driving safety concerns with a parent? How did it go?