Talking to an Older Driver
Tips for communicating with an older driver
Talking to an older person about their driving is difficult. Family members and friends often recognize a driver’s declining abilities from watching them drive, seeing damage to the vehicle or from comments made by passengers or neighbours. But,they are not certain what to say, what to do or where to get help. These tips may be helpful when you are talking to an older driver.
- Remember that each person is unique. Drivers of all ages have widely varying skills and abilities. Some can drive well into old age.
- Communicate in ways that are open and respectful. You can’t help an older driver if you alienate them. Let them know you want them to drive safely for as long as possible. Be positive and supportive and don’t expect the older driver (particularly if he or she is your parent) to be comfortable being told what to do.
- Plan early. Begin planning together, long before driving abilities begin to diminish. You can start by helping them plan ahead.
Go for a ride with the older driver
Riding with the driver is the best way to find out if the person is having a problem driving safely. Use the Driver’s Performance Assessment[PDF] to see where your older driver stands.
Start the discussion with the older driver
Starting the discussion with the mature driver is probably the most difficult hurdle. Here are some tips to help you begin:
- Make a list of your concerns relating to the mature driver’s driving, medical, physical or cognitive issues. Check the driver’s medications. A pharmacist can help determine if any of their medications can affect their ability to drive safely.
- Discuss your concerns with other family members and try to get their support.
- Review the relevant web pages in this site and check out some of the other links and resources.
- Open the discussion by suggesting your mature driver complete the Safe Driving Review questionnaire. Once they’ve finished the questionnaire, it’s important that they check the Safe Driving Tips and begin to act on them. If your mature driver does not have a computer, you can help by downloading and printing the pages.
- Suggest that your mature driver use the Driver’s Performance Assessment Tool[PDF] to see if their driving is road-worthy.
- Watch our video. Our five-minute video shows Dr. Art Hister giving some important advice to mature drivers. Consider watching it with your mature driver. It might be a great way to start a discussion.
- Follow-up with your mature driver and check to see if they are incorporating the safety tips into their day-to-day driving.
Take action if necessary
Sometimes an older driver denies having any problem with their driving until a serious collision scares them. This may be the case if the mature driver is dealing with Alzheimer Disease, dementia or has other cognitive problems. These situations can be frustrating and painful and will demand a great deal of tact and understanding. What can you do?
- Get help. Your mature driver may be more willing to accept suggestions from a police officer, doctor or friend than they are from their sons or daughters. Talk to the person’s doctor — it’s a good place to start. He or she can report any concerns to the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV). You can also report your concerns, in writing to the OSMV.
- If driving presents an immediate danger, take action. This is a tactic that should not be taken lightly. But if someone is in danger or is a potential danger to other road users, it’s important to act quickly. Call the police emergency line (911 in most areas of the province) or remove the keys to the vehicle. Obviously these are strategies that should only be used when discussion and other tactics have failed.