Seven Steps to Help Someone Retire From Driving

"We Need to Talk" are words no child or parent wants to say, let alone hear. Retiring from driving can be a difficult decision, especially if there are not many other transportation options. Many of us know someone who should limit their driving or stop driving altogether. Here are some tips to help someone retire from driving. I get ideas like this from the AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) and The Hartford (see links at the bottom of this post before attempting to help a senior driver).

1. Do an assessment. Observe the person's driving. Problems may be related to reflexes, vision, flexibility, visual attention, and overall physical health.

2. Determine if the problem can be corrected. Medical treatment, driver safety training, and physical training programs can help extend a driver's ability to drive safely into one's golden years. Sometimes a physician may be the best judge of driving fitness and the proper course of action. The Veteran's Administration may have resources for veterans who qualify.

3. Can the vehicle be modified to help? Vehicles now have many more devices to help drivers perform safely. Pedal extenders, panoramic mirrors, seat lifts and safety belt extenders are just a few ways to make the car and driver fit better. Newer cars come with back-up cameras or sensors to avoid collisions when backing. Anti-lock brakes help drivers retain steering control while braking.

4. Start the conversation early and praise progress. Congratulate a driver for limiting driving at night or in bad weather. Express concerns about accidents, near misses, and health changes. Monitor medications and their effects, especially those that suggest not operating a motor vehicle. Suggest the driver avoid interstate highways and only stay on local, familiar roads.

5. When the time comes to take action, persuade the driver to stop. The spouse is the best person to deliver the message, followed by a child, a physician, or another specialist. Make a direct appeal that the high-risk driver stop before someone gets injured or killed.

6. Discuss transportation options. The Hartford has terrific worksheets on driver assessments and transportation costs. If someone does not drive a lot, it may actually be less expensive to use alternative transportation. Buses, taxis, shuttles, and ride-sharing are great ways to get around. It may be fun to let someone else do the driving. Have someone ride with the person for a few trips until he or she builds confidence with that form of transportation.

7. You can also refer the driver to take the AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) at www.AARP.org/driver. DSP is only $14 and helps update the driver's skills in a very understanding manner, focused on senior drivers. DSP's goal is to keep drivers on the road as long as they can safely and comfortably meet the requirements of driving. DSP gives several self assessments for driving knowledge, a reflex drill, and a self assessment for driving fitness that may guide the driver to a more formal assessment.

In summary, you can make a difference in the lives of others by speaking up and helping out during the transition. This may require some valuable time for a while but should allow you to sleep better knowing you helped.

Before starting, please visit www.TheHartford.com/talkwitholderdrivers to get the latest details and some of the best advice on this subject. Best of success!

Ask senior drivers to visit this website for ongoing safety tips.

This is Rob G asking all of you to Drive Like Me.