Determining whether an elderly loved one can still drive safely can be a challenging and sensitive issue. While you may notice a decline in their abilities as they age, they might feel confident in their driving skills or be reluctant to give up the independence that driving provides. To evaluate their safety on the road, consider asking the following questions:
Key Questions to Assess Driving Safety
- Do they ever lose their way while driving to familiar places, such as returning home from the grocery store?
- Have they received more traffic tickets for minor mistakes they didn’t make before?
- Have they experienced any near-misses where they narrowly avoided an accident?
- Have they been involved in minor accidents, like fender-benders or parking lot collisions?
- Are they taking any new medications that might affect their ability to drive safely?
- Do they have any physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, or illnesses that could negatively impact their driving?
- When you ride with them, do they appear overwhelmed or easily confused behind the wheel?
- What does their doctor say about their driving ability and overall safety?
Protecting Your Loved Ones and Others
These questions can guide you in evaluating whether it’s time to take action regarding your loved one’s driving. Unfortunately, some individuals may continue driving even after their abilities have declined to unsafe levels. If you are injured in an accident caused by such a driver, it’s essential to know your rights and how to pursue financial compensation for your losses.
