FAQ Answers
Answer to Question 10:
Q: When should I consider limiting or giving up driving?
A: All of us as drivers will someday have to change our driving patterns as we move into higher-risk driving. Remember that you are responsible for your own safety, as well as the safety of passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.
You should regularly reevaluate your driving abilities and what it takes for YOU to be comfortable behind the wheel of a car. Assess your personal abilities--vision, hearing, reaction time, and flexibility-- before driving. Then you will be able to make adjustments to keep your driving as safe as possible.
Each of us also needs to think ahead to the time when we might need to give up our license. Our capabilities as human beings and as individuals do not allow all of us to drive safely forever. It is strongly recommended that you investigate transportation alternatives in your community in advance of actually needing to use them. Some options include:
- walking
- carpooling with family and friends
- taxi cabs
- shuttle buses or vans
- public buses, trains and subways
- special services in your community, such as those offered by senior centers, religious organizations, or agencies on aging, or other community service agencies.
Your local area agency on aging or transit agency keeps track of all transit services in your area. You can find the numbers for these state offices in your local telephone directory.
You can learn (or review) a lot more driving tips and important information in your local AARP Driver Safety Program class.
