Keys or No Keys?
Keeping Seniors Safe On (or Off) the Road
By Alissa Norton, CSA
Wondering if you or a loved one should still be driving? Driving represents freedom, independence, and connection to the world. But as we age, changes in vision, reflexes, and decision-making can make driving less safe—and knowing when to give up the keys can be difficult.
Losing the privilege and self-reliance of driving, for an older adult, can feel like losing a part of one’s identity. For adult children, meanwhile, suggesting that a parent stop driving can stir up guilt, fear, or even resentment. No one wants to take away independence, yet everyone wants their loved one—and others on the road—to be safe.
Signs It May Be Time to Reevaluate
Every driver ages differently, but some warning signs suggest it’s time for a closer look:
New dents or scrapes on the car, mailbox, or garage door
Getting lost on familiar routes
Slower reaction times, especially when turning or braking
Nervousness, confusion, or anger behind the wheel
Vision problems—trouble seeing at night, judging distance, or reading signs
Traffic citations or near misses that didn’t used to happen
Resources for Safe Driving
Before taking away the keys, explore whether adaptive steps could help. Refresher courses from AARP’s Smart Driver program, AAA’s senior-driving resources, or occupational therapy driving evaluations can all provide objective feedback. Sometimes, adjusting routes—avoiding highways, night driving, or rush hour—can keep an older adult safely on the road a little longer.
If a professional evaluation suggests driving is no longer safe, frame it as a shared decision: “The goal isn’t to take something away, but to help you stay independent in new ways.”
Maintaining Independence Without Driving
Giving up driving doesn’t have to mean isolation. Adult children can help by planning outings, exploring transportation options and apps, and setting up grocery deliveries. In senior living communities, scheduled trips to doctors, stores, and events make daily life easier. Availability of meals, rounding physicians, and on-site physical and occupational therapy can also make transportation unnecessary.
Losing the ability to drive can be a grieving process—but it can also open new doors for social connection. Without the stress of navigating traffic, many older adults discover a renewed sense of ease and freedom.
If you’re the driver, here’s what you can do: Get regular checkups for vision, hearing, and medication side effects, all of which can impact driving ability, and follow your doctor’s suggestions. Even something as simple as a new prescription can change reaction times.
Try to stay open-minded and be willing to try alternatives to driving. You might find out that you like them!
If you’re the concerned party, here’s what you can say:
“I want you to be safe, and I’m concerned that driving may be a hazard for you and others. What do you think? Can we consider some other ways for you to get around?”
“Driving downtown has always been stressful for you. What if we rode the light rail downtown together to see what it’s like?”
The Bottom Line
If you’re wondering whether a loved one should still be driving, trust your instincts—but pair concern with compassion. Approach the topic early, involve professionals when possible, and focus on what matters most: safety, dignity, and continued engagement in life. Instead of focusing on what someone can't do, focus on what they can do to maintain independence.
Driving may change with age—but independence, connection, and purpose don’t have to.
Get Cultured!
FREE Days in Denver
Mark your calendar and visit these venues before the end of the year.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Saturday evening, November 8
(Night at the Museums for Denver Arts Week)
Monday, December 8
Denver Art Museum
Tuesday, October 14
Saturday, November 8
Tuesday, December 9
Denver Botanic Gardens
(York Street and Chatfield locations)
Friday, Nov. 28 (day after Thanksgiving)
Denver Zoo
Saturday, November 15
Sunday, November 23
Four Mile Historic Park
Friday, October 24th
Friday, November 21st
Friday, December 19th
Museo de las Americas
Friday, November 7
Friday, December 5
Museum of Contemporary Art
Saturday, November 1
Saturday, December 6
RESOURCES
Driving and Transportation Services
AARP Smart Driver Courses (Colorado)
Refresher courses for safe driving at any age.
www.aarp.org/drive
Via Mobility Services
Provides free or low-cost transportation in Boulder, Denver, and surrounding counties.
(303) 447-2848 |
www.viacolorado.org
DRMAC (Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council)
Transportation coordination for older adults.
(303) 243-3113 |
www.drmac-co.org
Alternative Transportation
RTD Access-a-Ride
For individuals unable to use
fixed-route buses.
(303) 299-2960 |
www.rtd-denver.com
Med Ride
Todd Glasser
303-661.-337
www.medridecolorado.com
A-1 Medical Transport
Anthony Mulei
303-594-9673
www.a1medtransport.com
Just for pun
Why should you never trust a train?
They have loco motives.
