Last month there were a number of high-profile accidents where cars drove into buildings- including an 86-year-old woman who crashed into a Subway restaurant in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, as we age our senses tend to lose their sharpness and it can become dangerous to get behind the wheel of a car. Giving up a license is not a normal part of aging and there are plenty of older drivers who can drive safely and effectively. Cars symbolize independence so it can be a struggle to give up your license or convince an older loved one it’s no longer safe to drive. Read on for signs to look out for, local resources, and strategies for initiating this difficult conversation.
Signs it may be time to stop driving
- Driving too slow or too fast
- Being easily distracted
- Confusing the gas and brake pedals
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Running red lights and/or stop signs
- Getting traffic tickets
- Difficulty turning left
- Recent car accidents
- New dents/scratches on their car
- Click here to read additional warning signs via AARP
- Click here for tips for older adults to gauge their driving via the National Institute on Aging
- Click here for the Michigan Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families via Michigan.gov
- Click here for a self-assessment and tips via National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Tips for talking with a loved one
- Talk to your loved one’s doctor to see if they’ll initiate the conversation. Sometimes hearing this news from an authority figure or someone other than their child will hold more weight.
- Ride as a passenger with your loved one– are there any red flags? If so, gently discuss them afterwards.
- Communicate respectfully– avoid generalizations about older drivers and frame the conversation as protecting your loved one from other drivers or keeping them safe.
- Talk one-on-one. Bringing friends and family in for an intervention can be humiliating and create resistance from the older driver.
- Use “I statements” (e.g., “I am concerned about your safety when you drive on the highway” instead of “you’re an unsafe driver.”)
- Work together to find a solution so your loved one can continue doing what they enjoy and feel some degree of independence.
- Consider a driver planning agreement (here’s an example via AARP)
You gave up your license- now what?
- Identification: Your license is often your main source of identification. See below for alternative ID resources.
- Michigan No-Fee ID Card
- You can return your license to the Secretary of State and get an ID card if you’re legally blind, age 65 or over, or have lost your driving privileges due to disability.
- You must schedule an office visit to obtain this ID.
- This ID is offered free of cost if you meet the criteria.
- Michigan No-Fee ID Card
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- Washtenaw ID
- This county ID card is available to Washtenaw County residents over the age of 11.
- You must visit the Washtenaw County Vital Records Office (200 N Main Street) to obtain this ID.
- The fee for this ID has been lowered to $10 (it was previously $25)
- This ID is valid for 3 years
- Washtenaw ID
- Online grocery delivery
- Aldi offers delivery through Instacart ($9.99/month).
- Costco offers delivery through Instacart ($9.99/month).
- Fresh Thyme offers delivery through Instacart ($9.99/month).
- Kroger offers delivery through their company or Instacart (Prices range from $6.95 per order for regular delivery to $9.95 for same day delivery). Now accepts SNAP benefits for online orders.
- Meijer offers delivery for $9.95. Now accepts SNAP benefits for online orders. Tip: make sure to check their digital coupons, as sometimes there’s a coupon for free delivery.
- People’s Food Coop (Ann Arbor) offers grocery delivery through Mercato ($8-$20/month).
- Plum Market offers delivery through Instacart ($9.99/month).
- Produce Station offers delivery through Mercato ($8-$20/month).
- Target offers delivery of groceries and other goods ($9.99 per delivery or free with a Shipt membership).
- Walmart offers free delivery with minimum $50 order
- Whole Foods offers grocery delivery using their website or Amazon.com (for Prime members).
- Finding Rides
- AARP Ride@50+ Program helps find and book transportation providers.
- Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) provides bus service throughout Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, limited areas of Superior Township (SJMH and WCC), Chelsea, and Dexter. Their A-Ride and GoldRide programs offer additional assistance. The GroceryRide provides weekly trips from several senior housing communities in Ann Arbor to local grocery stores for $.75 each way. Call (734) 973-6500 for more information.
- Peoples Express (PEX) provides transportation to seniors within Washtenaw County that are not part of Ann Arbor Transit Authority (AATA) fixed routes. Call (877) 214-6073 for more information or to book a ride.
- Rural Older Adults in Motion (ROAM) offers rides in western Washtenaw County. Call (734) 475-9494 for more information or to book a ride.
- Western Washtenaw Area Value Express (The WAVE) Provides a free business district shuttle which can flex between scheduled pickup points along the route to provide stops at the businesses of choice.
- Fighting isolation
- Make plans to set up a weekly call or visit with your loved one
- Well Connected is an online senior center that offers activities, education, support groups, and friendly conversation over the phone or online (visit online or call 877-797-7299).
- Senior Planet offers a wide variety of online courses and activities.
