Your parents might be gearing up to drive to the mall to go Christmas shopping, but experts say it may be time to have a conversation on whether they’re ready to retire from driving altogether.
The Michigan Secretary of State office is promoting National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. The initiative promotes awareness around how health can impact the reaction time of motorists, and provide alternatives to getting behind the wheel.
Resources are available to help navigate driver retirement, said Tracy Wimmer, spokesperson for the Michigan Secretary of State office.
"Having a website that has constantly updating and engaging information helps ensure that no matter what age a driver’s at, whether their family members feel concerned about someone for anything, that everyone has the resources they need to make smart and informed decisions together that still empower independence," Wimmer said.
Tough conversations are needed to keep everyone safe on the road, and help keep older drivers feeling independent, she said.
"Any time an adult child wants to have that conversation with their parent, it’s out of love and it’s out of concern for their safety, and for the safety of others who are all out on the road," Wimmer said.
Resources for older drivers can be found at michigan.gov/AgingDriver.