Is It Time to Give Up Driving?

Everyone ages differently. There’s no way to say what age should be the upper limit for driving. So, how do you know if you should stop driving?

To help you decide, ask:

• Do other drivers often honk at me?
  
• Have I had some accidents, even "fender benders"?


• Do I get lost, even on roads I know?


• Do cars or people walking seem to appear out of nowhere?


• Have family, friends, or my doctor said they are worried about my driving?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should think seriously about whether or not you are still a safe driver.

How Will I Get Around?

You can stay active and do the things you like to do, even if you decide to give up driving. There may be more options for getting around than you think. Some areas offer low-cost bus or taxi service for seniors. Some also have carpools or other transportation on request.

AAA now estimates that the average cost of owning and running a car is about $6,420 a year. So, by giving up your car, you might have as much as $123 a week to use for taxis, buses, or to buy gas for friends and relatives who can drive you!

Where can I get more information?

AARP
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049
202-434-2277
1-800-424-3410
www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
607 14th Street, NW
Suite 201
Washington, DC 20005
202-638-5944
http://www.seniordrivers.org/

The booklet At the Crossroads: A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia & Driving
For a free copy, contact:
The Hartford Hartford Plaza
690 Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT 06115
860-547-5000
www.thehartford.com/alzheimers

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Source: National Institute of Aging, National Institutes of Health