Should your senior parents still be driving?  

Are your older parents still safe on the road? Ask them these 6 questions to help them assess their driving suitability.

By Carolyn Tate

As our parents age, it's natural for their abilities and needs to evolve. Among the many worries we may have as adult children is keeping them safe on the roads, as their ability and confidence may not always align.

It’s an issue often fraught with feelings, because driving isn’t just about getting from A to B: it can also represent freedom and independence, and admitting that they should no longer be behind the wheel can feel like the beginning of a decline they’re not ready for.

But it’s a conversation more of us are needing to have, with the Australian Government reporting the number of older drivers has been increasing, as has the number of related hospitalisations and deaths.

Queensland University of Technology reports that common reasons for older drivers to have accidents include:

●  Failure to see and/or yield to other road users

●  Complex road environments (e.g. intersections, roundabouts)

●  Sudden illness or blackout

●  Lack of awareness of traffic signals

●  Low speed manoeuvres (e.g. U-turns)

Your local state or territory will have its own rules and guidelines for tests and checks your parents will need to pass in order to keep their licence and stay safe on the roads. So it’s important to check with the authorities to ensure your parents are still considered legally competent to drive.

To help you better understand the implications of driving when older, the UNSW Ageing Well on the Road hub is packed with information to help older drivers throughout Australia navigate the rules and regulations of their state. It's worth passing this onto your parents for them to self-assess their capabilities.

Most will need a little help from a friend, though, and that's where you come in. The driving conversation is a tough one to have with a loved one, but here are 6 questions to ask if you’re wondering whether your senior parents should put away their drivers licence for good.

Question 1: do they have any medical conditions that could affect their driving?

Health is always a top concern. Medical conditions such as deteriorating eyesight, hearing loss, or cognitive decline can significantly impact your parent’s ability to drive safely.

Are they experiencing difficulty seeing road signs, reading traffic signals, or reacting to sudden sounds while driving? 

Have they expressed concerns about their vision or hearing?

Are they forgetting important details, or suffering from tremors or lapses in concentration?

These are important signs that their physical health may be affecting their driving abilities.

Question 2: are they taking any prescription medication that could affect their driving?

Prescription medications can sometimes have side effects that impair driving skills, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. It's essential to be aware of any medications your parent is taking and their potential impact on driving ability – as well as understanding the effects some medications can have when they interact with other medications or natural therapies. 

Has your parent experienced any adverse effects at any time - not just while driving - such as feeling unusually tired or dizzy? Talk to their GP or healthcare provider about the effects of their medications, so you can help them make a call or try a different medication, if appropriate.

Question 3: have they been getting more tickets or has their insurance gone up?

Not everyone wants to admit they have a problem, but an indicator that things have been going awry on the road could include an increase in traffic tickets or rising insurance premiums.

Perhaps your parent has racked up a few speeding tickets or red light tickets, or perhaps their insurance provider has upped their premiums because of a new claim or two, or they’ve identified other concerning risk factors?

While the occasional ticket may not be cause for alarm in isolation, a pattern of more reckless driving could signal a decline in driving ability.

Question 4: have you noticed any minor damage to the car?

Have you noticed any new dents, scratches, or other minor damages on your parent's car?

They may seem insignificant at first glance, but they could also indicate issues with judgement, spatial awareness, or manoeuvring ability while driving. 

Have they had any unexplained accidents or incidents where they've brushed against objects while parking or navigating tight spaces? These signs of difficulty handling their vehicle could be a good time to start a conversation about how they’re going behind the wheel.

Question 5: are they reluctant to drive?

Pay attention to your parent's attitude towards driving. Do they suggest you drive more often than they used to, or do they seem hesitant or anxious about getting behind the wheel?

Maybe they’re reluctant to drive in certain conditions, such as at night or in heavy traffic. 

This may be an indication that they're not so confident in their abilities as they once might have been, or that they’re aware of new limitations.

Question 6: have you noticed their behaviour change when they’re behind the wheel?

Observe your parent's behaviour while they're driving. Are they more agitated, impatient, or easily distracted than usual? Do they seem confused sometimes, such as forgetting familiar routes or missing traffic signals? 

Changes in behaviour behind the wheel could be a sign of cognitive decline or other issues affecting their driving skills. Addressing these changes promptly is important, before they become dangerous.

A matter of safety for all

While it’s no fun to think about our parents losing their ability to take care of themselves, or ‘clipping their wings’ it's most important to ensure they are safe, and that others on the road are kept safe too.

You might be able to start with limiting driving to daylight or non-peak hours, or shorter trips, or there may be other solutions available to help soften the change. There are many alternative transport options available too, such as public transport and rideshare options.

Have a gentle but honest conversation with your parents, and try to help them make the best decision for themselves – and for the safety of others on the road.

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