Although there are elderly who continue to drive into their 80s and 90s without a problem, it’s common for seniors to develop issues that impair this ability. Your parents might be hesitant to give up their keys, but if you spot any of the inhibiting signs below, it’s time to discuss letting you or a professional transportation service help them run daily errands and make doctors’ appointments.

When Should Seniors Stop Driving & Call a Transportation Service?

1. Impaired Physical Capabilities

If your parent has vision and hearing difficulties that aren’t resolved with correction devices, they won’t have a clear picture of the road. They should also have the ability to turn their neck and move their legs to see what’s happening around the vehicle and brake quickly in the event of an emergency.

2. Trouble Remembering or Frequent Confusion

These symptoms can cause seniors to get lost when they drive outside of their immediate area and make familiar terrain to seem strange. Seniors might also begin to struggle or panic whenever it becomes necessary to perform multiple tasks, such as paying attention to other drivers while trying to change lanes or merge. If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms, work with a transportation service that’s familiar with memory loss or dementia.

3. Failed a Driving Assessment

Take a trip with your parent to observe their driving capabilities to determine if they can remember how to reach the destination and take the route as planned. Monitor if they stop at all street signs and lights and if they’re able to safely change lanes using signals correctly and without endangering other drivers. It’s okay if they drive a little slow or avoid specific routes because they know they aren’t up to it; this indicates they’re aware of their limitations and have made changes to compensate for them.

Ensure your loved ones can always go where they want by contacting the expert drivers at RERK Transport. These professionals provide handicap-accessible and disability transportation services to those in Waipahu, HI, and surrounding areas. As long as their certified professional drivers have a three-hour notice, they’ll get your parent to a destination of their choice, including the doctor’s office, shopping mall, airport, or grocery store. Visit their website or call (808) 671-7242 to learn more about their services.