Lifestyle

6 Signs an Older Driver May Need to Stop Driving That Families Often Miss

By Erica Coleman · November 1, 2026

For many families, the question of whether a parent should still be driving comes up slowly, one small worry at a time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is clear that decisions about driving should never be based on age alone. It also notes that changes in vision, physical fitness and reflexes may cause safety concerns.

Older adults are more likely than other age groups to have safer driving behaviors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the agency also says each day, 25 older adults are killed and over 740 are injured in crashes, and that the risk of being hurt or killed in a crash increases as people age.

The National Institute on Aging says it can be hard for some people to recognize or admit when it is no longer safe to drive. If you can’t ride along and watch, the institute suggests watching for these signs.

New dents, scrapes or near misses. The NIA lists multiple crashes, near misses, or new dents or scrapes on the car. In its example of a 78-year-old named Sheila, she has had one minor accident and several near misses, and has noticed new dents she can’t explain.

Tickets or warnings. Two or more traffic tickets or warnings within the last two years is on the NIA’s list.

Insurance premiums going up. A rise in car insurance premiums because of driving issues is another sign, the institute says.

Comments from neighbors or friends. Take note if people who see your parent behind the wheel mention erratic, unsafe or aggressive driving.

Complaints about other drivers. The NIA lists complaints about the speed, sudden lane changes or actions of other drivers.

Worry about driving at night. Anxiety about night driving is on the list. The NIA notes that eyesight can change with age, making it harder to see clearly at night, and that glare from oncoming headlights can be a problem.

The institute’s list also includes health issues that might affect driving, such as problems with vision, hearing and movement, and a doctor’s recommendation to change driving habits or stop. For people with dementia, it says family and friends should act as soon as they see a problem such as forgetting how to find familiar places.

What to do next. NHTSA suggests three steps for families starting this conversation: collect information, develop a plan of action and follow through on the plan. The agency notes that most people delay the talk until driving seems dangerous, when conversations can become tense.

The NIA recommends learning about local transportation services before you talk, and using “I” messages, such as “I am concerned about your safety when you are driving,” rather than “You’re no longer a safe driver.” It suggests discussing the driver’s skills, not their age, and offering to help the person stay independent. Some experts suggest raising the subject gently and returning to it over time.

A professional opinion can help. The NIA says a driving rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist or other trained professional can check driving skills, and that a doctor or the state motor vehicle department can recommend someone. These assessments may have fees.

If driving does need to end, the CDC points to options such as riding with a friend, ride share services and public transit. The Eldercare Locator, at 800-677-1116, can help find local services, according to the NIA.

This article is for general information. Talk with your parent’s doctor about health concerns that may affect driving. This article was produced with the assistance of AI and fact-checked against the sources cited by LightWave Reports.