When Driving Becomes a Safety Concern
Giving up the keys is one of the hardest transitions of aging. How you approach it matters as much as when.
You're not the only Arizona family navigating this. Hundreds of caregivers and older adults swap real-world advice every week in our free Arizona senior community.
What to know
- 1
Warning signs: new dents, getting lost on familiar routes, slower reaction time, family declining rides.
- 2
A 'driving evaluation' from an occupational therapist gives an objective opinion — and takes pressure off family.
- 3
Frame the conversation around safety and independence, not 'taking away.'
- 4
Plan replacement transportation BEFORE the keys are surrendered, or isolation sets in fast.
- 5
Arizona has volunteer driver networks, paratransit, and reduced-fare programs in most counties.
Frequently asked questions
What are the warning signs that it is time to stop driving?+
New dents or scrapes, getting lost on familiar routes, slower reactions, missed signs, near misses, and family members quietly declining rides.
What is a driving evaluation?+
An occupational therapist trained in driver rehabilitation tests vision, reaction time, and on-road skills, then gives an objective recommendation. It removes the burden from family.
How do I help a parent give up driving?+
Frame it around safety and independence, not loss. Line up replacement rides — paratransit, family schedule, volunteer drivers — before the keys come off the hook, so isolation does not set in.
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