Ivygirl, you didn't say if the accidents were caused by your parent's driving. If said accidents were caused by someone else, please allow your parents to keep driving as long as they are still safe drivers.... otherwise, guess who will be doing ALL the driving if they no longer drive, it will be you or another relative.
I've been driving my parents for the past 5 years and I am frazzled to a point where I now hate to drive anywhere.... and you will be surprised how many places your parents will want to go... my parents wanted to be on the road 2 to 3 times a DAY, I used up all my vacation leave and all my sick leave... what was I thinking !!.... don't get caught up in that loop.
I respectfully disagree - my sister was killed by such a "driver" and I don't think it matters how old your parents are, etc. etc. Please do whatever you have to do to keep unsafe drivers off the road - if your parents want to act like 4 year olds, then it's okay to treat them that way!
Eyerishlass, I know , I see your point. I didn't mean to sound so harsh, Im just saying if there was an emergency to do something. Aggh I feel bad now! Of course talk and DMV etc first..
If they have had several accidents, be on the lookout for a notice of cancellation from the insurance company, and possibly a letter from the state asking them to report for a road test. They will throw the notice away and keep driving. Check their licenses to see if they are current. Stubborn seniors refuse to go to the DMV for renewal tests, and just keep driving.
I respectfully disagree about taking their keys and hiding them. Your parents are 4 years old, they should be treated as adults.
Trying to convince an elderly parent that it's not safe to drive anymore is very difficult to do but adult children have accomplished it without resorting to disrespectful, childish antics.
When I thought that my dad shouldn't be driving anymore it began a process of getting him to give up the privilege to drive. It didn't happen in one day, that's for sure. It took a series of conversations and a lot of convincing. The proof was on his car which showed numerous dings and dents. He couldn't be certain that he hadn't hit another car. Eventually, reluctantly, he gave up driving.
The Dr and you can notify the DMV about the accidents and they will either retest them or take their licenses. Have you talked with them about not driving? What if you say " hey mom and dad, you deserve to be chauffeured around now".
Meanwhile, take away their keys and hide them... say they are lost. Or even pull a plug wire if needed.
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I've been driving my parents for the past 5 years and I am frazzled to a point where I now hate to drive anywhere.... and you will be surprised how many places your parents will want to go... my parents wanted to be on the road 2 to 3 times a DAY, I used up all my vacation leave and all my sick leave... what was I thinking !!.... don't get caught up in that loop.
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Trying to convince an elderly parent that it's not safe to drive anymore is very difficult to do but adult children have accomplished it without resorting to disrespectful, childish antics.
When I thought that my dad shouldn't be driving anymore it began a process of getting him to give up the privilege to drive. It didn't happen in one day, that's for sure. It took a series of conversations and a lot of convincing. The proof was on his car which showed numerous dings and dents. He couldn't be certain that he hadn't hit another car. Eventually, reluctantly, he gave up driving.
Meanwhile, take away their keys and hide them... say they are lost. Or even pull a plug wire if needed.