Is It Time to Have "The Talk" About Driving?

Each year, approximately 7,500 older adults are killed in traffic crashes in the United States, with nearly 200,000 more treated in emergency departments for crash injuries. While older drivers are generally involved in fewer accidents than younger drivers, they're significantly more vulnerable to serious injury or death when crashes do occur.

If you're concerned about your parent's driving safety, you're not alone—and yes, it's time to have that conversation.

Many adult children struggle with this decision. I've heard stories from families so desperate they resorted to extreme measures: one disconnected engine wires to disable the car, another forged an official-looking letter claiming their parent's license had been revoked. While these actions show the depth of their concern for both their loved one and public safety, there are better, more supportive approaches available.

Resources Are Available

Most states offer programs designed to support senior drivers. For example, here in Pennsylvania where Silver Path Consulting is based, drivers can access:

• Basic Mature Driver Improvement Course for those over 55

• Investigation process for reported unsafe drivers

• Randomized mature driver re-examination program

• Insurance discounts for drivers over 65 who renew their license every two years instead of every four

(Contact your state's DMV to learn about similar programs in your area)

Warning Signs to Watch For

It's time to act if you notice:

• Fresh scrapes or dents on the car

• Unusual traffic violations or tickets

• Difficulty following road signs or navigating familiar routes

• Mobility issues like slow reactions or trouble checking blind spots

• Complaints about glare from headlights or street lights

• Getting lost in familiar areas

• Near-misses or minor accidents

How to Approach the Conversation

You can be subtle or direct about your concerns, but what matters most is being caring yet firm. Your parent might:

• Agree with your concerns and welcome help finding alternative transportation

• Be willing to take a driver assessment to validate their abilities

• Feel defensive initially but come around with time

Whatever the outcome, having this conversation is far better than living with the anxiety—or facing the tragedy—of an accident that could have been prevented.

We Can Help

These conversations are never easy. At Silver Path Consulting, we specialize in supporting families through difficult transitions in aging. As a neutral third party with expertise in senior issues, we can help facilitate these important family discussions and find solutions that respect everyone's dignity while prioritizing safety.

Contact us to learn how we can support your family through this transition.