Family & Caregivers

Talking About Driving Concerns

Family and friends play a large role in keeping older family members safe on the road, but it can be hard to start the conversation. The best time to start talking about it (brief video) is before there is a problem.

The following information and resources can be helpful in preparing for that discussion:

A list of warning signs indicating there is a problem with driving;
Knowing what medications may put someone at risk;
Knowing who can help with a driving evaluation, such as your family member’s primary care provider, occupational and rehabilitation therapists, and the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists.
Information on getting around car-free; and
The Oregon Dementia Roadmap from the Oregon Department of Human Services (Note: this is a large file and may take up to a minute to download) and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon.

See Related and Additional Resources below for more.

MD Answers: When is too old to drive? (30 sec +audio)
Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online
DMV-approved Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention Courses
AAA Senior Driver Safety
AARP Driver Safety: Smart Driver Course
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Older Drivers Information
NHTSA: Keeping Our Older Drivers Safe on the Road
Retiring from Driving: When Someone You Know Should Give Up Driving (brochure)
Reporting an Unsafe Driver
Family Conversations with Older Drivers
NHTSA: How to Understand & Influence Older Drivers
Let's Talk About Aging and Driving (brochure)
Driving Decisions in Later Life
How's My Driving? Staying Safe Behind the Wheel (brochure)
Eldercare Locator – a public service of the US Administration on aging connecting older adults and their families to services including transportation alternatives.

For those holding an Oregon credential - a driver license, instruction permit, or identification card - emergency contact information can now be added to the DMV record for that individual. It is used only in the event the credential holder is killed, seriously injured, or unconscious and cannot speak with police officers.

In an emergency, police officers will use this information to contact those listed with information about the individual’s location and condition. Add, update or remove emergency contact information online at DMV2U via the Access My DMV Profile button.

Family & Caregivers

Talking About Driving Concerns

The Impact of Various Health Conditions on Driving

Related and Additional Resources

Being Prepared as a Family: Emergency Contact Information