Don't allow an unsafe driver to endanger a spouse or child. Don't nag or warn. If you take the situation seriously, the older person will be forced to address the issue. The individual who equates driving with independence may deny the existence of problems and become defensive and angry when they are pointed out. Others who are aware of their diminished skills are willing to give up driving when family and friends help them to find and use alternative means of transportation.
Many states require more frequent check of vision and driving skills for older drivers.
Others require notification and testing when an individual wishes to resume driving after a stroke or other serious illness. Professional Driving Evaluation A growing number of hospitals and rehabilitation facilities offer evaluation of an individual's driving skills and an estimation of the areas in which improvement can be expected. Provide the older person with information on a local program and how they can obtain an objective evaluation of their driving skills. Components of a Driver Evaluation Evaluations are frequently conducted by occupational therapists, health care professionals concerned with people's ability to function in daily tasks. In a driver evaluation program, the therapist administers a variety of tests in the health facility to measure individual skills.