It’s common for carents and their parents to clash over discussions about elderly drivers.
Carents are often concerned about whether it’s safe for their parent to keep driving in the face of age related health problems such as lack of strength or mobility, slower reaction times, or poor eyesight.
They fear that their parent could cause a road traffic accident and put lives at risk whereas the older driver can resent concerns about their capability and fear that losing access to a car will lead to a loss of independence.
Despite some of the news headlines, elderly drivers are statistically one of the safest groups behind the wheel. Compared with younger drivers, older people have more experience and are less likely to speed, take risks or have an accident. So it’s not always clear when and whether an older person should stop driving.