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Getting Elderly Drivers Home Safely
By Jackie Gately

That Sunday morning was like any other for white-haired Mrs. Brown. She started her Datsun B210 for the short ride to the church, just a few blocks away. But somewhere along the way, she took a wrong turn and veered off course. Almost four hours later, the police finally located the aging driver, who was in a state of distress and confusion, miles from home.

The decision to suspend Mrs. Brown’s license was a “no-brainer” for her family. She had gone missing several times, and the family was simply unable to be sure of her location and safety when she was behind the wheel. That was more than thirty years ago, but the problem of keeping older drivers safe remains an ongoing issue.

Decreased reaction time, vision and hearing problems, stiff muscles and joints, cognitive disorders, and prescriptive medications all contribute to reduced driving ability as we age. In fact, according to the US Department of Transportation, drivers over the age of 75 have higher driver fatality rates than 16-year-olds. The US Census Bureaus says the over-85 population is growing. They project that 9.6 million people will be 85 and older by 2030. That’s a 73% increase from today’s numbers.

As the caregiver of an aging family member, increase her safety on the road before it’s necessary to revoke her license. Thankfully, cell-phones and GPS tracking devices offer a high-tech safety net. Ask your dependent or semi-dependent family member to take these steps before taking the keys:
• Carry a cell phone.
• Install a GPS tracking devices in the car.
• Avoid driving at night or to unfamiliar places.
• Carry backup medications for an emergency.
• Drive with a friend instead of alone.
• Avoid high traffic times and areas.
• Avoid ice and snow.
• Enroll in a refresher driving course for seniors, like the ones offered by AARP and AAA. (Bonus: it may lead to an insurance reduction.)
• Adequately address health, hearing and vision needs.
• Opt for alternative transportation, such as public transit or sharing a ride, when possible.

The loss of a person’s license due to aging is more than a change in mobility. It has an emotional impact. It takes away freedom and independence, making an unplanned visit with friends or an errand much more complicated. Such dependence can be humiliating and even feel like punishment. If you are ultimately left with no alternative than to stop a family member from driving, do it knowing you’ve exhausted every available option.

Jackie Gately is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jackiegately.wordpress.com. Mrs. Brown was her grandmother.