My Mom (92) is still driving and her license expires 7/2018. Should I be concerned?
Mother is still driving at 92. Her vision is not good. She doesn't do any freeway driving; only drives to the grocery store, post office, and small shopping center. The most she drives is probably 20 minutes from her home 1 way to get to these locations. When she does drive she is home by 3pm; never drives at night. I'm concerned because there is always a lot of city traffic where she lives. She lives near a highschool too and those teens drive recklessly. Her vision is poor in one eye only. She lost her center vision; leaving her with only her peripheral vision in the bad eye. Her other eye is good. I don't live in the same state as my mother. She has a son and he lives in a different country. When I visit my mother she wants me to do all the driving. She won't drive. So I don't know how she drives. She is very fearful to leave the house at this time in her life, but does, when it's absolutely necessary. Should I be concerned? I suggested having someone drive her around to do her errands, but she wouldn't hear of it. Once her license expires, she will not be able to renew. It says so right on her license. I really don't know how she passed her eye test this last renewal time. I was hoping that her license wouldn't be renewed so I wouldn't be the bad guy. Any advice?
If you are not willing to let mom risk your life, don't let her put anyone else in the risk pool either.
I wish it would be as easy as my situation was. The insurance company was raising the rates because of two accidents. He willingly turned in his license and our rates are cut in half. I thank God for a reasonable partner.
The telltale thing that lets me know he shouldn't be driving anymore is an ever increasing number of dings in his car. There are dings now on three corners of the car and a more recent dint in the rear license plate area. I suggested that he move into assisted living so he wouldn't have to drive so much, but he wants to stay in his home. He leaves his house in the morning and drives different places every day. He has children, but none have taken a stand on the issue. They may have also talked to him, but he doesn't mention it to me.
I read a report the other day that elderly drivers have fewer accidents than younger ones. When they do have accidents, they tend to be not so serious. This is because they drive less and drive slower. Still, pulling out in front of another car or changing lanes can cause serious accidents. These are two things I know he has done in this past year. He is so intent on driving, though, that my words fall on deaf ears, and his driving record is spotless, so the dmv would not be concerned.
I personally do not like to drive all that much. I will be more than happy to give up the privilege when it comes time. I already wish I could hire a chauffeur for this city interstate driving. Hate it!
With this program the workbook is a great starting point. Taking the personal assessment is also a way for the person to self assess how their driving skills are. It is important to do as much as possible to support the person in making their own decision. Depending on where you are located may make a difference in the programs that are available to you.
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