Determining the right time to stop driving can be a complex and emotional decision, especially for seniors. This choice can greatly impact their mental well-being and sense of independence. However, driving while impaired poses significant risks. According to the National Safety Council, in 2023, approximately 9,587 individuals aged 65 and older lost their lives in car accidents, accounting for 21.4% of all traffic fatalities that year (Older Drivers - Injury Facts, 2024).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights several factors to consider when evaluating your ability to drive. These include physical limitations such as stiff joints and muscles, vision and hearing difficulties, side effects from medications, slower reaction times, and various medical conditions. It's essential to consider symptoms associated with conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and Parkinson's disease when assessing your driving capabilities (National Institute on Aging, 2022). If you feel uncertain about your ability to drive, reach out to a family member or friend for assistance.
For family members concerned about a loved one’s driving, there are warning signs to watch for. These may include multiple accidents, rising insurance premiums, and feedback from neighbors or family members. Additional indicators include anxiety about driving at night, complaints about speed, sudden lane changes, or erratic behavior from other drivers. Health issues that could impair driving ability should also be taken into account (National Institute on Aging, 2022).
If you are contemplating whether to stop driving, consider asking yourself the following questions:
- Do other drivers frequently honk at me?
- Have I been involved in accidents?
- Am I struggling to see road signs, exits, or lane markings?
- Can I still turn my head comfortably to check mirrors and blind spots?
- Do I have physical conditions or medications that slow my reaction time?
- Do I often get lost while driving?
- Do cars or pedestrians seem to appear unexpectedly?
- Am I easily distracted while driving, and have family or friends expressed concerns about my driving?
- Am I driving less often because I feel less confident 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)
Numerous resources are available to help navigate this important decision, including websites, guides, books, and counseling services. For instance, the Feller Wendt website offers a comprehensive guide on factors to consider when deciding to give up driving. Stopping driving does not equate to a complete loss of independence; rather, it reflects an acceptance of new limitations.
If you decide to stop driving, there are alternative transportation options available. Services like Uber and Lyft can provide convenient rides, with costs typically ranging from $15 to $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 approximately 15 minutes before you need to leave. Other transportation options include public transit, paratransit services, non-emergency medical transportation, and local community programs.
Additionally, many seniors can continue driving safely with the help 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 prolong driving ability. Other 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 conclusion, there are numerous factors to consider before deciding to relinquish your driver's license. Various options exist to maintain independence, such as working with a caregiver who can assist with transportation to appointments and errands. Using aids and using transportation services like Uber or Lyft.
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/