Is Your Loved One Dangerous Behind the Wheel?

How do you feel about your elderly parent or loved one still driving?  What is your responsibility if they are in a wreck and hurt or kill someone when you know that they are cognitively impaired and that their driving skills are not what they should be.... and you have done nothing to stop them?

Taking someones keys also means taking their "independence".  Freedom to go here and there is often what keeps the elderly enjoying life, and that is not willingly given up by most.  Believe me, I have been there and I was the "bad guy" that took the keys.

Perhaps you could take a ride with them and observe their driving first hand.  Are they aware of all surroundings and what kind of reaction time do they exhibit?  Do they follow directions or are they getting lost?  What kind of medications are they taking that cloud their judgement?  Do they follow the speed limits?

Later have a patient and positive discussion with them about your concern for their safety and the safety of others.  They will agree that they do not want to put themselves or others in harms way, but..... And that "but" means that it will not be an issue that you will discuss only one time before you can make them comfortable with the decision. 

Growing older doesn't automatically mean that you will be a terrible driver, but there are changes in your mind and body which do affect driving.  Have your loved one take a senior safety class or enlist the help of other family members and a physician.

By the same token, don't be afraid to be the one to take the keys!