Senior drivers: To drive or not to drive
Usually when someone has a birthday, they’re the one to get a gift. But Henry Owen’s adult children want something from him when he turns 90 in October: Turn over the car keys and stop driving.
Owen and thousands of his peers are grappling with when to give up driving for good, a decision many of us may end up facing.
Born in the Midwest in 1936 and raised in Washington, D.C., Owen’s background includes a journalism degree from the University of North Dakota and military service. He is a writer — a good one — with a broad grasp of the written word. He spent decades working on writing assignments and communication projects for a multinational corporation. He jokingly refers to himself as the “founder, president and only member of the Casper Society of Professional Ghostwriters.”
Having smarts matters for driving. We are tested on our cognitive and visual abilities when we get a driver’s license. “Being alert and paying attention are two of the most important skills in driving,” said Jessica Cook, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam program manager, metro district.
Owen’s love for driving started young. “I did a lot of driving with my father in the late 1940s and early ’50s,” he said. After he became a father, he would cruise down the highways with his children. Owen’s son said he always felt safe in the car growing up and his dad did not speed or break any rules of the road.
That fits with Owen’s approach to life. He’s cautious but curious. Along with words, he likes cars. “I have an appreciation for sports cars, unique rarities, and it seems that started as an infant. My first wheels were on a detailed baby carriage in the spring of 1937.”
Owen is not delighted with the prospect of handing over his car keys, but he is thinking about doing it for his kids. He recently had cataract surgery and can see better than ever. He’s concerned that if he decides to give up driving in October, he might be stopping too early.
“I haven’t had any serious fender benders, but my adult children are concerned for my well-being if something happened, even if another driver caused a crash,” Owen said. “I’m calculating the odds of decline from aging, and I don’t want to keep my children in stress over the prospect of receiving a trooper’s call from an accident site.”
Owen is not alone in this experience. The discussion to stop driving is typically initiated by family, health care professionals or law enforcement.
Each year, DVS gives age- or medical-related evaluations to an average of 3,000 adults. “Each decision to be evaluated is unique to the person and can be uncomfortable or frustrating for them,” said Nicole Neft, DVS driver improvement specialist supervisor.
Minnesota is not the only state to re-evaluate drivers. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators met in Minneapolis last year. One presentation focused on the growing challenges of octogenarians — and soon baby-boomers — facing the decision to hand over the keys.
For many, it’s bigger than the decision to relinquish their license. It may also impact their daily life: How would they get groceries or go to a medical appointment, especially if they live in a rural area?
Owen’s children are aware of these realities and recognize that timing matters.
“My siblings and I suggested age 90 because we’ve noticed a gradual decline. We didn’t think that there is or was a magic date. But rather than waiting for Dad’s driving to decline to a point when there is an issue, let’s have a goal, find a time when everything is still good,” his son said.
Neft often speaks with people about the concerns and timing of their loved one giving up a license. She reminds them that independence matters and having to rely on others can be difficult. There is a need for family, friends and community to step up to ensure the person who gave up their license is supported.
One practical tip Neft recommends is to get an ID card. It’s a great option to have for daily identification purposes like going to the bank.
Owen will be weighing all these considerations over the next few months as he grapples with the question: to drive or not to drive?
Learn more at Driver compliance at-risk drivers.
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