Deciding when to stop driving can be a challenging and emotional process, particularly for older adults. This decision significantly affects their mental health and sense of autonomy. However, driving under impaired conditions can lead to serious dangers. The National Safety Council reports that in 2023, around 9,587 individuals aged 65 and older died in car accidents, representing 21.4% of all traffic fatalities that year (Older Drivers - Injury Facts, 2024).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) outlines several key factors to assess when considering your driving ability. These factors include physical limitations such as stiff joints and muscles, difficulties with vision and hearing, side effects from medications, slower reaction times, and various medical conditions. It is crucial to take into account symptoms related to conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease when evaluating your driving skills (National Institute on Aging, 2022). If you have doubts about your driving capabilities, it’s advisable to consult a family member or friend for support.
Family members who are worried about a loved one’s driving should be aware of certain warning signs. These may include a history of accidents, increasing insurance costs, and comments from neighbors or relatives. Other red flags include anxiety about driving at night, complaints about speeding, sudden lane changes, or erratic behavior from other drivers. Additionally, any health issues that could affect driving should be considered (National Institute on Aging, 2022).
If you are pondering whether to stop driving, reflect on the following questions:
- Do other drivers often honk at me?
- Have I been involved in accidents?
- Am I having trouble seeing road signs, exits, or lane markings?
- Can I comfortably turn my head to check mirrors and blind spots?
- Do I have physical conditions or medications that slow my reaction time?
- Do I frequently get lost while driving?
- Do cars or pedestrians seem to appear out of nowhere?
- Am I easily distracted while driving, and have family or friends raised concerns about my driving?
- Am I driving less often because I lack confidence behind the wheel?
- Do I have difficulty staying in my lane?
- Do I struggle to switch between the gas and brake pedals, or do I sometimes confuse them?
- Have I been pulled over by the police for my driving behavior?
(National Institute on Aging, 2022)
There are many resources available to assist in making this important decision, including websites, guides, books, and counseling services. For example, the Feller Wendt website provides a detailed guide on considerations for deciding to stop driving. Ceasing to drive does not mean a complete loss of independence; rather, it signifies an acknowledgment of new limitations.
If you choose to stop driving, various alternative transportation options are available. Services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient rides, typically costing between $15 and $30 for a 15-mile trip. To get started, you can download the app from this link: https://www.uber.com/us/en/download/. Both Uber and Lyft allow you to request a ride about 15 minutes before you need to leave. Other transportation alternatives include public transit, paratransit services, non-emergency medical transportation, and local community programs.
Moreover, many seniors can continue to drive safely with the aid of adaptive technologies and driving aids. Features such as backup cameras, pedal extenders, lane departure warning systems, and park assist technology can enhance safety and extend driving capabilities. Additional helpful aids include swivel seat cushions, panoramic mirrors, seat belt extenders, adaptive cruise control, and steering wheel modifications that improve grip and maneuverability (Driving Safely While Aging | Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Attorneys, 2025).
In summary, there are numerous factors to weigh before deciding to give up your driver's license. Various options exist to maintain independence, such as collaborating with a caregiver who can assist with transportation to appointments and errands. To start the process of finding a caregiver, click here to complete the care plan form. A representative from Champion Care will reach out to schedule your first appointment.
Works Cited:
National Institute on Aging. (2022, December 20). Safe Driving for Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/safe-driving-older-adults
Older Drivers - Injury Facts. (2024, May 6). Injury Facts. http://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/older-drivers/
Driving Safely While Aging | Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Attorneys. (2025, September 24). Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Lawyers | Serving Utah, Idaho, & Arizona. https://www.fellerwendt.com/driving-safely-while-aging/