When Older Family Members Should Stop Driving

Is an older family member having trouble driving safely on the road? Are they making unwise decisions that could cause themselves or others on the road to be involved in an accident? If so, it may be time to consider having a discussion with your family member to stop driving.

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Why You Should Be Concerned

According to the Insurance Information Institute, older drivers over 70 experience higher rates of fatal car crashes than any other group (except young, inexperienced drivers under 21). In 2006, 14% of fatalities on the road were drivers over 65. This is because older drivers are less likely to survive the physical trauma that results from an accident. Limited faculties, such as vision and reaction time, as well as the increased possibility of the driver having a stroke, seizure, or other major attack while driving also results in a higher occurrence of serious accidents.

Additionally, older drivers may be on medications that can negatively affect their driving ability, particularly those prescribed for insomnia and anxiety-related ailments, or that have drowsiness as a side effect and what is called a "long half-life." These drugs remain in the system for days, and can make a driver droopy and tired on the road at the worst moments, such as when they have to swerve out of the way of an out-of-control driver.

Car Insurance for Senior Citizens

There are several factors that insurance companies take into consideration when calculating premiums for older drivers. Most drivers over 55 are seen as a lower risk because of their driving experience. However, the concerns of illness, visual impairment, and frailty make certain elderly drivers more of a liability.

If you add an older person to your insurance policy, your rates may or may not go up significantly because of the increased risk. Some insurers require a thorough physical and eye exam to prove that elderly drivers can view the road properly. You may also want to look at other ways to get auto discounts for an elderly driver.

For example, insurance companies offer additional discounts to older drivers who take defensive driving classes. One particular program is offered by the AARP, an association that provides certain benefits to senior citizens.

When is it Time to Take an Older Family Member Off the Road?

There comes a time when it is no longer advisable for an older driver to be on the road. The family member's license needs to be taken away. This tough decision should be made if the driver has any of the following issues:

A serious illness, especially one that would directly affect driving skills
A new medication that causes frequent drowsiness
Serious visual impairment or blindness

Drive with the family member a couple of times to see how he or she performs on the road. The process of having the license taken should be done with tender, loving care, and with the interaction of other family members who the elderly person respects. The elderly family member will also need to have an alternative mode of transportation arranged.