Steve is 82 years old. His family is very concerned about him, not knowing whether or not it is still safe for him to drive his car?

Steve hasn’t had a moving violation in many years and he is very proud of his driving record. However, friends and neighbors have reported that his driving is often erratic and that the speed of his vehicle is overly slow for other traffic.

As a group, older drivers are typically safe. The actual number of accidents involving older drivers decreases as age increases. Experts believe that older adults have fewer accidents because they drive slower, avoid long-distance trips, and don’t drive at night as often.

Although there may be no obvious way to ensure whether Steve or other older people are still safe drivers, ongoing family discussions and objective assessments help older people and their families evaluate the risks in their own unique situation.

Losing the ability to drive reduces one’s independence. It’s one of the most feared losses facing an older adult. However, discussions with the right person about driving can make a big difference. Discussions about driving made over time help older adults understand family concerns and usually leads to agreements to drive less, avoid certain road conditions, or stop driving altogether if necessary.

Older adults typically prefer to speak confidentially about safe driving with someone they trust. To increase the chances of success, families should choose the right person to initiate the ongoing discussion and have others reinforce these discussions.

Additionally, older drivers should be encouraged to participate in safe driving classes. These classes include 55 Alive sponsored by AARP and the Rules of the Road sponsored by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Both classes are held periodically in local senior adult centers.

After being approached by his church minister recently, Steve decided to participated in a Rules of the Road class which included a driving simulator. He learned that his knowledge of new driving laws and his actual driving skills weren’t as good as he thought they were.

Steve rides the senior citizen’s van more often now, and only uses his car when he feels it’s necessary or the senior van isn’t available. He often talks about his fear of losing his independence, but he also knows that he has found a safer way to compensate for it.

It’s an old lesson relearned. “It’s better to be safe than to be sorry.” Steve often said this to his kids as they were growing up. Now it’s their turn to remind him of it.

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