A strategy of waiting until significant problems arise and poor driving skills appear may result in increased difficulty of implement changes later, as well as a higher risk of accidents. Starting early, by having candid conversations about future risk is one of the best ways to prepare someone to take the steps before they become necessary.

6 Steps to Communicating Concerns

1. Find moments of opportunity: For example:
   • if you notice they are already self-limited, such as no longer driving at night
   • when they are prescribed a new medication
   • when they had, or almost had an accident
   • when they say they got lost, especially in a familiar places as this may be a sign of cognitive decline
2. Be open yet respectful in communications:  Maintaining a clear channel of communication can ensure problems are not overlooked, yet doing so requires careful attention to how information is conveyed. Not only do people not want to be referred to as a dangerous driver, but most people do not want to lose driving privileges or be seen as increasingly disabled, even though this is often a reality.
3. Avoid reactive decision-making:  Waiting until there is an accident may be too late. Carefully plan ahead of time. Consult with doctors, but only if the adult driver allows such.
4. Avoid group pressure:  Interventions may only intimidate and upset drivers. A more intimate, one-on-one approach is generally more effective in convincing an individual about needed change or testing.
5. Respect privacy: If you would like to speak with other people in regards to the driver, such as their physician, it is preferable to request permission from the driver first.
6. Avoid making false assumptions: Opinions are often plentiful when advising older drivers, but they should be left at that. Rely on facts, test results, professional advice, and other methodical data to determine the risk level of a driver.

Steps to Follow If the Adult Driver Disagrees:

1. Show kindness and consideration: Putting yourself in their shoes is the easiest way to ensure you are speaking to them in a way that you would want to be spoken to. Ask them how they feel and what they are thinking. Be genuinely caring, don’t just act the part.
2. Focus on facts: Often a driver will disagree with another’s opinion, therefore, taking a test or getting feedback from a professional may be more useful.
3. Do not escalate disagreements: Increasing the tension of a situation rarely ends up making progress.
4. Do not demand: Like escalation, the best way to cause change is through gentle persuasion, otherwise, you risk them moving in the opposite direction.
5. Make changes in steps: Making slow changes over a long period of time, instead of an all-or-none approach, may be a more effective route to reducing the driver’s risk over time, assuming they are still ok to drive. Work together to make a plan that both can agree on in self-limiting driving restrictions, such as limiting driving to daylight only hours. It can also include practice using alternative forms of transportation, or even moving the driver to a new residence that requires less regular travel.

What to do if an Older Driver is Uncooperative

Persuasive arguments are the best option in convincing older drivers to give up the keys.  Examples of responses could include:

1. I know you would feel terrible if you hurt someone else because you caused an accident
2. I won’t be able to let my children ride with you as it is a safety concern (use supporting data).
3. Let’s get an opinion from your doctor.
4. Any of the other data in these guides, such as the fact that fatality rates increase with age.

Unsafe Driver Investigations

Some states accept written requests, while others require completing a special form, from immediate family members, doctors or law enforcement personnel in reporting an unsafe driver. However, since we are all unsafe drivers to some degree, we should consider the possibility that reporting other drivers is never a correct way to solve such a problem. Additionally, to place the responsibility of an authority on someone else risks the danger of appealing to authority, which also rejects personal accountability.

Dementia/Alzheimer’s are special cases that may require assistance from a doctor, as such drivers may be unable to self-assess their own risk. Dementia always deteriorates and driving skills worsen as a result. Getting lost, confused, or forgetful, especially in a familiar place are common signs of dementia. Going for ride-alongs may help you better assess their abilities.

Next in this series: Transportation & Driving Alternatives for Older Adults

Return to main page: Senior Driving Safety