Driving vs. No Driving? Part One: Pay attention to danger signs.

You’re concerned about your parent’s driving.

You see some of the following danger signs, pointed out by AARP. See https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/we-need-to-talk/

Minor Warning Signs (the following may indicate a need to limit driving)

·         Driving over curbs

·         Difficulty with left turns

·         Incomplete turn signal

·         Scrapes on the car

·         Decreased confidence

Serious Warning Signs (signals a need to stop driving)

·         Failure to stop at a signal or red light.

·         Confusing gas and brake pedals.

·         Getting lost in familiar places.

·         Confusion at highway exits.

If you see any of these, it’s time for talks with your parent. Why talks, rather than talk? Because your parent and you will likely be hesitant at tackling the driving issue. According to AARP, it’s better to have multiple conversations, and to use “I” messages such as “I worry when I know you’re driving at night. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you or to anyone else.”