First of all, failing to stop at red lights or stop signs is considered a very serious issue by the NHTSA and “requires immediate action to stop the driver”.

The NIA (National Institute on Aging) gives us other signs, which may be less obvious but important to pay attention to, and include:

• Drifting in and out of the road lane
• Slow reactions or poor reflexes
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Having trouble moving the foot between the gas and the brake pedals, or confusing the two
• Not merging or changing lanes safely
• New scrapes, dents or dings in the car
• Oservations by neighbors or friends about unsafe driving
• Two or more traffic tickets, warnings, collisions or “near misses” within the last two years
• Vehicle crashes
• Increases in car insurance premiums because of collisions
• Poor vision, or worsening of current vision
• Anxiety about driving at night
• Complaints about the speed of other drivers, or the sudden lane changes or actions or other drivers

Talking to someone about their driving is difficult.  But the NHTSA’s guide on talking about driving with older adults gives us 3 important steps to take:

• Gather your information first, whether that’s your own observations or stories from family, friends or neighbors.
• Talk with the older driver together and come up with a plan.  By being sensitive to the other person and listening to them, you show respect and compassion, which in the end helps a great deal to get their cooperation.
• Carry out the plan you’ve agreed upon, and check in frequently to make sure that it’s being followed through.

For more details and sample language, ideas and resources, check out the complete NHTSA guide.

The mere thought about no longer driving can be emotionally devastating to someone, especially if they are active.  The sooner you start to think about this and talk about options, the better for everyone.

The National Center on Senior Transportation and Easter Seals, provides Older Driver Safety and Transition information that can help you identify alternative sources of transportation.  Several low cost options include:

• Public transportation (if available)
• Community groups that offer rides (civic organizations, churches, etc.)
• Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.  The AAA has guides to resources in your local area.