...what you need to know and how to have "the talk".
Statistics show that most drivers will outlive their ability to drive by about 7 to 10 years. How do you know when it's time to talk to a senior driver about giving up the keys? Your decision should not be based on any one warning sign but a pattern of warning signs or the degree of danger any warning sign poses to the driver and others.
Signs that it may be time to take the keys:
- waning confidence or unease with driving
- signaling incorrectly or not at all
- confusing the gas and brake pedals
- having near misses
- hitting curbs
- missing stop signs or lights
- not noticing important activity on the side of the road
- driving in the wrong lane
- getting lost in familiar places
- dents and scratches on the car
More information and warning signs can be found at the Virginia Highway Safety Office, a division of the DMV at http://www.dmvnow.com/safety/#programs/mature/index.html
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is currently engaged in several projects dealing with senior driving and training. For more information about these studies and other projects VTTI has on the board, go to http://www.vtti.vt.edu/research/vrus/index.html.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is currently engaged in several projects dealing with senior driving and training. For more information about these studies and other projects VTTI has on the board, go to http://www.vtti.vt.edu/research/vrus/index.html.
When you know it's time to discuss giving up driving what do you say? It's hard to tell someone they have to stop doing something that's so important to their self-image. The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) has an online seminar to guide you through the process from understanding what driving means to seniors, to observing warning signs, and "the talk".Go to
If you are a senior who is concerned about your ability to drive safely, AARP also offers an on-line refresher course in driving skills or helps you find a live course in your area. There's one being held on Brambleton Ave.(Roanoke) in September and October. There is also a quiz to help you determine how safe a driver you are. Click here to be taken directly to the AARP website. http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/driver_safety/?intcmp=HP-LN-sec8-pos2
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