How to help older NJ drivers decide to give up the car keys

By: Scott Fallon
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... Giving up driving is one of the hardest things for older New Jerseyans to do in a state many communities were built for the postwar car age. But as driving skills inevitably decline with age, it is often a question not of "if" but "when" seniors will have to turn in their keys. As part of its series "aging in New Jersey," NorthJersey.com and the USA Today Network - New Jersey spoke with experts and examined safety reports to determine the best ways for families to discuss the issue of giving up the keys with their older relatives. Here are some tips.

Talk before an elderly person has a care accident

..... It's a touchy subject for many, In fact, a AAA survey found that 83% of aging drivers had not spoken with family or a physician about driving safety. A change in lifestyle is never easy. Many older drivers feel that they're losing not only their freedom but their competence as well. Discuss whether they still feel comfortable driving and if they think there is a time when they should give it up.

Conduct your own senior driving assessment

..... Go driving with them and casually observe their performance. Are they stopping fully? Are they monitoring for pedestrians? Can they look over their shoulder? Do they merge properly? Are they driving too fast or too slowly? Older drivers can also do a self-assessment, using a tool form the National Highway Traffic safety Administration.

Assess their medical condition

..... Are they on nay medication that could impair driving? Are they up to date with vision tests and eyeglass prescriptions? Do they have any chronic physical ailment? Are they forceful or having difficulty understanding signs?

Eliminate or reduce driving at night, in busy areas and in poor weather

..... Suggest to an older adult that they may want to gradually limit their time behind the wheel. Have them avoid driving at night or during rush hour, on weekends when traffic is heavier or when it;s raining. Stop taking the car on highways or areas with many pedestrians and where quick reaction time is needed most.

Use Lyft and Uber for senior transportation

..... Most older adults have a driving routine. Do they go to the supermarket? The doctor? The movies? To the beach to watch the sunrise? To the diner to meet friends?
..... Determine whether family or neighbors could drive them now. Teach them how to sue a smartphone ride-share app like Uber or Lyft. Is there a local cab company they can call?
..... The goal is to transition out of driving and still keep the same schedule. lack of transportation can be extremely isolating and debilitating.

Report an elderly drive to MVC to be evaluated

..... If you believe an older motorist cannot drive safely and won't voluntarily give up the keys, contact the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission;s medical review unit at 609-292-7500, extension 5032. It's a lengthy process that often requires an evaluation by a physician, which then gets sent to a panel of doctors who will determine whether a license will be suspended, restricted or left alone, or whether the driver needs to be reexamined.

Explore senior transportation services

..... All New Jersey counties and many municipalities operate a para-transit service for senior and the disabled. Service vary, but they often allow seniors to schedule door-to-door service to medical facilities, community centers, shopping malls and other destinations. Below is a phone number for each county's para-transit operation.
* Atlantic: (609) 645-5910
* Bergen: (201) 368-5955
* Burlington: (877) 603-5111
* Camden: (856) 456-3344
*Cape May: (609) 889-3700
* Cumberland: (856) 6917799
* Essex (973) 686-1280
* Gloucester: (856) 686-8350
* Judson: (201) 369-4320
* Hunterdon: (800) 842-0531
* Mercer: (609) 530-1971
* Middlesex: (800) 221-3520
* Monmouth: (732) 431-6480
* Morris: (973) 829-8103
* Ocean: (877) 929-2082
* Passaic (973) 305-5756
* Salem: (856) 339-8644
* Somerset: (908) 231-7115
* Sussex: (973) 579-0480
* Union: (908) 241-8300
* Warren: (908) 454-0444

..... Editor's note: Is your family going through the process of getting care for an older loved one? Do you have tips for other families? If you'd like to share your story, contact reporter Scott Fallon at fallon@northjersey.com.

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