Time to Give Up the Car Keys?

Family Conversations with Older Drivers

Source: AARP.org | December 14, 2007

One of the most difficult decisions many people face as they age is whether and when to give up the keys to their car. To make it easier for family members and friends to have the thorny and challenging conversation with an older drier about limiting or stopping driving, AARP and the North Dakota Highway Patrol are offering seminars called "We Need to Talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers."

During the 90-minute seminars, Highway Patrol officers will lead discussions on topics such as when it is a good time to talk with older family members or friends about their driving. Participants learn how to recognize warning signs, deal with strong emotions and explore transportation alternatives to keep a former driver actively engaged in community life.

The "We Need to Talk" program offers support for families and friends of older drivers transitioning from driving to not driving. Older parents and adult children often view driving differently. From the older person's point of view, driving is likely to be more than a practical issue. It is often linked to feelings of competence, independence, and being part of society. Adult children often wonder whether and when their parents should stop driving, but many older parents resent having their driving ability questioned and don't believe there is a problem.

Statistics indicate that older adults can be safe drivers with good driving records. However, medical conditions, medication usage, and age-related changes in physical and mental function can increase the risk of crashes and injuries among older adults.

In North Dakota 10.4 percent of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes are age 65 or older, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The percentage is the same nationwide. The North Dakota State Data Center projects that by 2020 nearly 1 in 4 North Dakotans will be 65 or older. North Dakota already has the highest percentage in the country of people 85 and older. Additionally, many of the state's elderly population live in rural areas and small towns, requiring them to travel long distances for medical care, shopping and other services. Growth in the state's largest cities is resulting in more traffic and more difficult driving conditions.

For a "We Need to Talk" seminar schedule, call 1-866-554-5383 toll free.

AARP also offers two other driver safety training courses for people of all ages. The AARP Driver Safety classroom program is an eight-hour course offered in several communities across the state on an ongoing basis.

Find information on local courses online, call 1-888-227-7669. There is also an online version of the driver safety course.

Find more information about the online Driver Safety course online.