• Communicate openly and respectfully. Nobody wants to be called a dangerous driver, so avoid making generalizations about aging drivers or jumping to conclusions about their skills. Be positive and supportive, and focus on ways to help keep them safely behind the wheel.
• Keep the discussion between you and the older adult you want to assist. Inviting the whole family to the conversation will alienate and possibly anger the person you’re trying to help.
• Make privacy a priority. Always ask for permission to speak with a driver’s physician, friends or neighbors about the driver’s abilities.
• Never make assumptions. Focus on the facts available to you, such as a medical condition or medication regimen that might make driving unsafe. Do not accuse an older driver of being unsafe or assume that driving should be stopped altogether. This discussion is about helping and working together.
Source: AAA
