In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, some people are able to keep driving. But as memory and decision-making skills get worse, at some point it will no longer be safe to be behind the wheel. It’s important to start thinking about when a person should give up driving. By planning in advance, you will have time to prepare and explore other transportation options.
Signs of unsafe driving by someone with dementia
People with dementia often do not realize they are having driving problems. Family members and friends will need to carefully observe the person’s driving for signs that it’s no longer safe for them to drive.
Signs that the person should stop driving include:
- New dents or scrapes on the car or multiple near misses or crashes
- Two or more traffic tickets, minor accidents, or increased car insurance premiums
- Confusing the brake and gas pedals
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Sudden lane changes or other poor decisions in traffic
- Taking a long time to run a simple errand and not being able to explain why, which may indicate the person got lost
- Other health issues that might affect driving, such as changes in vision, hearing, and movement
- Comments from neighbors or friends about unsafe driving
- Recommendations from a doctor to modify driving habits or quit driving
- Failing a driving test or other driving evaluation
Here are some ways to help stop people with Alzheimer’s from driving:
- Talk about your concerns with the person. Find tips on talking with someone about no longer driving.
- Take them to get a driving test or other driving evaluation or risk screening for older adults at your state’s department of motor vehicles.
- Ask the person’s doctor to tell them to stop driving. The doctor can write “Do not drive” on a prescription pad and you can show this to the person.
- If necessary, hide the car keys, disable the car, move it out of sight, or consider selling it.
Losing the ability to drive can be difficult, but driving is only one form of transportation. You can find other options for a person with dementia to travel safely around their community. Find out about services that help people with disabilities get around. These may include free or low-cost buses, taxi and similar private transportation services, or carpools for older people. Some churches and community groups have volunteers who take seniors wherever they want to go.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or you can call 800-677-1116 or search the Eldercare Locator online for more information. You also can try searching Rides in Sight or calling 855-607-4337. This service of the nonprofit organization ITN America provides information about transportation options for older adults.
