How to Assess Your Parents’ Driving Abilities

Before you have the dreaded discussion about whether your parents should continue driving, you can do your own mini-assessment to determine if the time is right. It is always best to begin the discussion early, before there is an immediate need or an incident. By starting early, you and your parents can better prepare for the change in lifestyle by having transportation options in place so that they can continue with their active lifestyle. 

To determine whether their health is affecting their driving, look at these areas:

 -       Do you think they would be able to hear a siren or horn with their car window rolled up?

-       Can they see outside in bright sunlight, or at night?

-       Is arthritis preventing them from turning their head or neck far enough to see over their shoulders?

-       Do they appear uncomfortable entering traffic or driving in intersections?

-       Are they taking medication that may cause drowsiness or other cognitive problems?

-       Are there a lot of new dents or scrapes in their car or around garage and driveway?

 In the next installment, we’ll explore where to look for transportation options so that you go into the conversation armed with information.