$Unique_ID{BRK02043}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Dealing with Elderly Drivers}
$Subject{driving hazards driving hazard driving ability old age aging elderly
drivers elderly driver vision sight eyesight stiff joints weak muscles slow
reflexes travel driver's license accident accidents}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Dealing with Elderly Drivers


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am very worried about my father's continued use of his personal
car.  I don't think a man of his age (he is now 77) should continue to drive,
and there have been some recent reports in our newspaper to prove my point.
How do I go about having his license revoked?  It is the only way I can think
of to prevent a tragedy that I feel is just waiting to happen.  Please help me
and other children concerned with the welfare of their parents.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  I know from personal experience some of the torment you are going
through.  I can remember when I refused to sign off on my father's license,
because his sight had failed to the point where he could no longer see
sufficiently to drive.  He really laced into me.  "So what if I get killed?  I
have lived long enough!"  "Yes," I replied, "but what if you kill someone else
in an accident?"  It was a convincing argument.
     Of course you are correct.  Statistics do prove that older folks are
involved in accidents more frequently, some because of driving errors, failure
to execute turns correctly, changing lanes improperly, or driving too slowly
in fast moving traffic.  But the main question is the ability and physical
fitness of your father at the present time.  Is his vision a bit less than
formerly?  This is the most frequent change that comes with aging that has
real impact on the ability to drive.  Other physical impairments, such as
stiff joints, weaker muscles and slower reflexes all can make driving more
hazardous for the older patient, and those driving around him.  Yet in this
age of "auto-mobility", taking away this means of transportation can
seriously impact Dad's quality of life.  I doubt that you can have his license
revoked, but you might convince him to consider attending a course designed
to meet with the special needs of older drivers.  The American Association of
Retired Persons have a "55/Alive Mature Driving Program" that could serve you
well.  More information is available from local AARP Chapters or by calling
their national headquarters (202-434-2277).  This is one way to get your
Father to think about the situation, open the topic for discussion, and
perhaps get him to evaluate his own abilities in a more rational manner.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.