5 Ways to Stop an Elderly Person From Driving

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Throughout adulthood, driving is a symbol of autonomy and self-reliance, and giving up the right to drive can be one of the hardest parts of aging. If you have a relative who needs to give up the keys, how can you stop them from driving?

Anonymously Report Them

In some states, licenses can be renewed online for years at a time, meaning your older relative could easily become unable to drive while the DMV knows nothing about it. You can put a stop to your elderly relative's unsafe driving with an anonymous tip to your local DMV.

In most states, all it takes is a Request for Driver Reexamination. If you don't want to fill in an official form, simply send a letter to the DMV identifying the person and giving reasons for your concern.

The DMV won't come swooping in and grab your loved one's license and car. Instead, they'll request a reexamination. When your relative doesn't pass, the DMV is the bad guy, not you.

Explain The Dangers Of Driving With Alzheimer's And Dementia

How is Alzheimer's diagnosed? The first symptom is often forgetfulness. If you're concerned about a loved one's safety on the road, it may be possible to painlessly end their career as a driver.

If you notice a loved one is regularly forgetting things, the answer may be as simple as just "losing" the car keys. In the time it takes to "find" them again, your relative may have forgotten all about it.

On the surface, this might seem unkind. In reality, it simply means your loved one won't have to constantly re-remember that they are now unable to drive. 

Loan Out Their Car

If you have a relative or close friend in desperate need of a vehicle, this could be the answer to your dilemma and a way to keep your elderly relative off the road. Loan the car to someone else, and when your relative brings it up, simply remind them that "so-and-so really needed it."

Not only does this keep your elderly loved one off the road, but it also gives them the opportunity to help others and feed good about their own generosity. This is good for anyone of any age. 

It's especially helpful here if you're able to loan it to a family member or someone with a clear need. It may be easier for your loved one to let go under these circumstances than if you simply sell the car.

Sell the car

Sometimes, our older family members retain all their mental faculties but can't drive for other reasons they don't wish to acknowledge, such as failing eyesight or slowed reaction times.

In this case, your only option may be to get rid of their car altogether. An alert person won't be fooled by "losing" the keys or loaning the car out to a friend.

Auto Auction Mall gives you a fast and simple way to sell your relative's car, knowing it will go somewhere it's really needed. While selling the car might upset your relative, if your situation is extreme this could be the only way to keep them off the road and stop them from endangering themselves and others.

Hide Your Own Car And Keys

You've called the DMV and gotten your relative's license pulled. You've sold their car. Yet they still get on the road, often by taking your car when you're not looking.

If this is happening to you, the time has come to get more creative about hiding your car and the keys. As to the car itself, consider putting it around the corner. Ask a neighbor if you can park in their driveway or garage for a few weeks.

Keep your keys in your pocket at all times. Never throw them on the counter or leave them in a purse. If your relative persists in taking them, tell them you'll call the police and report the car stolen the next time they take it.

It's never fun to take away driving privileges from someone we love. But remember the most important thing: keeping your loved one, and others, safe from a catastrophic accident.