Tips for carefully monitoring senior driving Driver safety is an important issue for seniors.Do you know an older driver who is experiencing trouble on the road? It is important to carefully monitor the situation.Here are some tips to help you determine whether you should take steps to encourage the senior to stop driving. What risk factors of aging can affect safe driving? Because everyone ages differently, some drivers are safe behind the wheel well into their 80s and 90s,while others need to find alternative sources of transportation much earlier.Some key risk factors for senior drivers are: • visual decline and hearing loss • drowsiness from medications • increased reaction time • dementia and brain impairment What are some warning signs of unsafe driving? If a senior who is close to you is finding driving more difficult than before, watch the signs for unsafe driving. If you notice any of the warning signs, it is time to reassess the senior's road risk. Many small warning signs of unsafe driving can add up to the important decision to quit driving. • abrupt lane changes,braking or acceleration • more frequent"close calls"or dents and scrapes on the car • drifting into other lanes and driving on the wrong side of the road • trouble reading signs or navigating directions to get somewhere • trouble moving the foot from the gas to the brake pedal,or confusing the two pedals How can I talk with a senior who should stop driving? If you feel that it is time to talk to a senior close to you about no longer driving,approach the issue with sensitivity. Consider some of the methods and options below: • Explore ways to reduce driving, such as making purchases through mail-order catalogs, arranging for home delivery of groceries, and scheduling home visits by medical and personal care providers. • Be understanding about resistance.The senior may dismiss you and refuse to listen to you.Ask questions, rather than make demands. For example,"Would you consider not driving at night?" • Help the senior driver see that living without a car won't make them permanently homebound. Suggest that the senior can continue to drive some of the time (such as in the daytime or off the freeway), and alternative transportation can fill the need for rides at other times. • Emphasize monetary savings. Saved expenses such as insurance, gasoline, maintenance and repairs, and license and registration fess may be a selling point for some seniors. • Make sure that the senior has rides to their usual activities.When a senior stops driving, continuing with other routines can be very soothing. • Some seniors may adjust better if they can keep their own car,but have others drive them.Their car may feel more comfortable and familiar,and the sense of loss from not driving may be lessened. This is an informational article from Senior Helpers. For information, call (732) 866-4488 or visit www.seniorhelpers.com.