Knowing the factors to consider when deciding whether or not it's time for you to stop driving can be challenging. There are many resources and guides that can help you make the right decision. Deciding when to stop driving can be one of the most difficult decisions for seniors and it can significantly affect their mental health and sense of independence. But driving impaired can be dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, in 2023 approximately 9,587 individuals 65 and older died in car accidents. This is 21.4% of the total car fatalities in 2023. (Older Drivers - Injury Facts, 2024)
According to NIH, there are several factors that you need to think about when deciding whether or not you are able to drive. Factors like stiff joints and muscles, trouble seeing, trouble hearing, medication side effects, slower reaction time and reflexes, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms that accompany medical conditions like Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, Parkinson's and others need to be weighed when thinking about your ability to drive. (National Institute on Aging, 2022) If you feel like you are unable to drive, call a family member or friend for help.
There are several warning signs that you can look for when deciding if a family member needs to stop driving. Warning signs include multiple vehicle accidents, increased driving premiums and comments from neighbors and family. Other warning signs include anxiety about driving at night, complaints about speed, sudden lane changes, or actions of other drivers. Finally, health issues that would prevent your family member from driving. (National Institute on Aging, 2022)
When deciding to stop driving by yourself there are several questions you need to ask yourself. Below you will find a list of questions that will help you decide if you are okay with driving.
- Do other drivers honk at me?
- Have I had accidents?
- Am I having trouble seeing the road signs, exits, or lane lines?
- Am I still flexible enough to turn my head to check mirrors and blind spots?
- Do I currently have physical conditions or do medications slow my reaction time?
- Do I often find myself getting lost while travelling on the road?
- Do cars or pedestrians appear out of nowhere?
- Am I often distracted while driving, have family, friends, or do my doctor say they're worried about my driving?
- Am I driving less these days because I'm not as sure about my driving as I used to be?
- Do I have trouble staying in my lane?
- Do I have trouble moving my foot between the gas and brake pedals or do I sometimes confuse the two?
- Have I been pulled over by the police for my driving?
(National Institute on Aging, 2022)
There are many resources available for navigating this topic including websites, guides, books, and counselors. Guides like the one found on the Feller Wendt website found here, fellerwendt.com/driving-safely-while-aging/, outline many factors to consider while deciding on giving up driving. The decision to stop driving is not a complete loss of independence, but an acceptance of your new limitations.
There are other options available when deciding to travel that include using a taxi service. Taxi services like Uber or Lyft are two options that can get you where you need to go. The cost of this transportation service varies by mileage; usually a trip of 15 miles can cost anywhere from $15 to $30. To sign up and download the app visit the following link: https://www.uber.com/us/en/download/. Using either Uber or their competitor, Lyft, you can request a pickup 15 minutes prior to your departure time, and a car arrives at the specified location. Other options include public transportation, paratransit services, non-emergency medical transportation, and local programs.
Finally, many seniors can continue driving with driving aids and adaptive technologies like backup cameras, pedal extenders, lane departure warning system, and park assist technology. These adaptive technologies can help prolong your driving and help to maintain your independence. Other aids include swivel seat cushion, panoramic mirror, seat belt extender, adaptive cruise control, and steering wheel equipment that makes it easier to grip and turn the wheel. (Driving Safely While Aging | Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Attorneys, 2025)
In conclusion, there are many factors to evaluate prior to making the decision to hang up your driver's license for good. There are many options including working with a caregiver that will help you remain independent and in your home. Caregivers can drive you to appointments and run errands with you. To start the process of signing up for a caregiver click here and complete the care plan form. A Champion Care customer support representative will call to schedule your first day.
Works Cited:
- National Institute on Aging. (2022, December 20). Safe Driving for Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/safe-driving-older-adults
- Older Drivers - Injury Facts. (2024, May 6). Injury Facts. http://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/older-drivers/
- Driving Safely While Aging | Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Attorneys. (2025, September 24). Feller & Wendt Personal Injury Lawyers | Serving Utah, Idaho, & Arizona. https://www.fellerwendt.com/driving-safely-while-aging/