Families, caregivers, and friends play a large role in the safety and transportation needs of their aging loved ones. Research suggests that a dialog between older adults and families and friends can be an effective way to address issues of aging and safe driving. In a survey of 7,200 adults aged 50 and older conducted by The Hartford and MIT AgeLab, more than half followed the suggestions made in conversations they had with their families about their driving. Even when families and friends are willing to tackle these difficult conversations, research shows they want more information to begin the discussion.
Safe Mobility for Life provides the educational materials and resources to help prepare families and caregivers to discuss safe driving concerns, including the process to reduce or stop driving. This can be a difficult conversation for everyone involved but it is a very important one to have, before there is a crisis.
Before starting a conversation, it is important to:
- Understand the impact that aging has on safe driving
- Take into consideration the significance that the loss of driving privileges may impact their independence from their perspective
- Learn more about the places they need and want to go and use FindaRideFlorida.org to find alternative options to get there
- Work together, using the tips and information in Florida's Guide to Safe Mobility for Life to help them build a transportation plan that will allow them to stay safe, connected, and independent, beyond the driver's seat
With proper planning and compassion, this can be an effective conversation that benefits everyone. To learn more helpful tips and information to support this meaningful conversation, view or order your FREE copy of Safe Mobility for Life's Tips for Talking with Aging Drivers about Safe Driving Concerns brochure from the Resource Center.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers of Florida
The Florida Department of Elder Affairs is committed to helping individuals 60 years of age or older and those who care about them understand and navigate available services, agencies, and other options. Their goal is to help you find the information, resources, and services you need to make informed decisions.
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) address this goal and are available in each county to help connect older adults and caregivers to a variety of issues and services including housing, home care, meals, and transportation. To find and contact your local ADRC, visit their website or call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-69 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
Memory Concerns
Driving is a very complex activity that requires using many cognitive skills including thinking and well you use your sensory perception, attention, learning, memory, thought, visual processing, reading and problem solving. These skills may naturally decline as we age and sometimes this decline is a more serious issue that can create an additional concern for safe driving. To learn more information and access additional educational materials or resources on this topic, visit the Dementia and Transportation page.
Reporting an Unsafe Driver
Florida law, authorizes any physician, person, or agency to report to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) an applicant or licensed driver who may not safely operate a motor vehicle due to a medical condition. FLHSMV Medical Referral Form 72190 must be filled out and used for this purpose. Medical reporting is confidential under Section 322.126, Florida Statutes and no civil or criminal action may be brought against any physician, person, or agency for providing this information. To learn more, visit the FLHSMV Medical Review Process website.
