They’ve always been the one in the driver’s seat. Taking you to school, picking up groceries, showing up without fail. But now, you’re noticing missed turns, delayed reactions, or new dents in the car, and a sinking feeling settles in your chest.
What if your aging parent is no longer safe behind the wheel?
There’s growing concern across the country as more older adults continue driving well into their 70s and 80s. And what’s fueling that concern is the fact that crash-related injuries and fatalities among senior drivers are steadily rising.
At Miller Kory Rowe, we’ve helped Arizona families face this moment with empathy and strength. We bring together attorneys with backgrounds in elder abuse, medicine, and serious injury law to guide families through these deeply personal decisions.
Because stepping in to protect a loved one’s safety isn’t easy, but it might save lives.
Why Senior Driver Safety Is a Growing Concern in Arizona
As baby boomers stay active longer, the number of older drivers on the road continues to escalate. According to the CDC, The number of older drivers on U.S. roads has reached an all-time high. By 2022, nearly 52 million people aged 65 and older held a driver’s license. That’s a 77 percent increase compared to 2004.
With that rise has come a troubling trend. More than 9,000 older adults lost their lives in traffic crashes that year, and over 270,000 were injured badly enough to require emergency care.
Older drivers are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries in a crash due to age-related physical vulnerability, even when the collision isn’t severe.
In Arizona, drivers 65 and older renew their licenses every five years instead of the typical 12 and must pass a vision test each renewal. These regulations aim to protect everyone sharing Arizona roads, from Phoenix freeways to Tucson neighborhoods.
But as the aging population grows, so does the urgency to have thoughtful, sometimes difficult conversations about driving safety.
5 Warning Signs It May Be Time for Your Senior Loved One to Stop Driving
Here are key indicators to watch for. If one appears, it’s wise to start the conversation.
1. Physical Challenges
Physical limitations can severely impact a senior’s ability to drive safely. Issues like loss of strength, arthritis, and stiffness can compromise their control over the vehicle.
- Arthritis affects nearly 80% of individuals in their 70s, making steering and braking difficult (AAA Foundation).
- Slow response times can significantly increase crash risks, particularly in emergency situations.
- Limited neck mobility reduces the ability to check blind spots and safely change lanes.
Regular consultations with healthcare providers can help identify these physical limitations early.
2. Vision Issues
Adequate vision is crucial for safe driving. Vision impairments can reduce the ability to see hazards, road signs, and other vehicles clearly.
- According to the National Institutes of Health, vision impairments double every decade after age 65.
- Glaucoma and cataracts, common in older adults, significantly impair the ability to drive safely, particularly at night.
- Night driving poses additional challenges for older adults, as aging eyes require significantly more light and become more sensitive to glare. According to the National Institute on Aging, a 60-year-old typically needs three times more light to see clearly than a 20-year-old, making nighttime conditions especially difficult.
Annual eye exams can help detect and address vision problems before they severely impact driving.
3. Health Events or Medications
Medical conditions and medications can influence driving abilities by causing drowsiness, dizziness, or delayed reaction times.
- Stroke survivors often experience reduced reaction times, increasing crash risks.
- Heart conditions can impair concentration and reaction speeds.
- Arizona law requires drivers experiencing seizures to cease driving for a minimum of three months until medically cleared.
- Some medications like sedatives, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants can slow reaction time or cause drowsiness. The FDA warns that even common prescriptions may impair your ability to drive safely.
Always consult healthcare providers about potential impacts of medications and conditions on driving.
4. Cognitive Decline
Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can greatly diminish cognitive functions necessary for safe driving.
- Over 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, impacting memory, judgment, and response to unexpected events (Alzheimer’s Association).
- Cognitive impairment increases the likelihood of getting lost, misunderstanding road signs, or failing to recognize familiar locations.
- Although reporting cognitive impairment to the DMV is voluntary in Arizona, physicians have protections from liability when doing so.
Early screening and diagnosis can help families plan for safer transportation options.
5. Frequent Close Calls
Frequent near misses, traffic violations, or getting lost can be critical warning signs of deteriorating driving abilities.
- Drivers aged 85 and older have the highest crash rate per mile driven, nearly three times greater than teenagers (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
- Frequent close calls indicate reduced reaction times, slower decision-making, and compromised judgment.
Taking these signs seriously can help prevent serious accidents and injuries.
What Arizona Law Says About Senior Drivers
Starting the Conversation About Senior Driving Risks
Starting this conversation can feel uncomfortable, but approaching it with empathy, respect, and a clear plan can make all the difference.
Frame it with care.
These conversations can be emotional, especially when independence is at stake. Instead of leading with control, approach your loved one with empathy. Try saying something like, “I’ve noticed it’s harder for you to see at night, and I’m worried about your safety”. Framing the conversation around concern, not criticism, can help them feel supported rather than judged.
Suggest practical steps.
Sometimes a clear plan can ease resistance. Start by scheduling an eye exam with an ophthalmologist to rule out or confirm any vision issues. Consider arranging a physical or occupational therapy assessment to evaluate strength, reflexes, and flexibility. You should also speak with their doctor about any medications that may impact alertness or reaction time. In some cases, a professional driving evaluation can offer an objective assessment and tailored recommendations for safer driving.
Offer safer options.
Giving up the keys doesn’t have to mean giving up freedom. Encourage your loved one to limit driving to familiar areas and daytime hours if that helps them feel more comfortable. Explore local transportation options like the Phoenix Light Rail, Sun Tran in Tucson, or ride-sharing services. You can also coordinate family rides or connect with community-based volunteer driver programs to help with errands and appointments.
Plan ahead before the loss happens.
Proactively developing a mobility plan makes the transition smoother for everyone involved. Identify who can help with transportation to doctor visits, shopping trips, or social activities. Involving family and friends early can ease the emotional burden and help your loved one feel supported rather than isolated.
What to Expect From Miller Kory Rowe If an Accident Happens
If your loved one is injured or someone else is hurt in a crash involving an older driver, we’re here to help. With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand the unique challenges that come with crashes involving older drivers. We gather the right evidence, consult medical experts, and build strong cases aimed at fair and full compensation. From start to finish, we guide families through the legal process with practical insight and a deep knowledge of Arizona law.
Bottom Line
Driving offers essential independence, but safety, for your loved ones and everyone on the road is paramount. If physical limitations, vision issues, memory lapses, or frequent near-misses occur, it’s time for a compassionate conversation.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by an older driver, it is important that you contact an experienced law firm to protect your rights and to help obtain fair compensation.
You’re not alone in navigating these tough decisions. Miller Kory Rowe is right here in Arizona to support your family with clear, expert guidance, ensuring dignity and safety in every step.
Need help navigating these next steps? Please contact Miller Kory Rowe LLP today at(602) 654-1095 for a free legal consultation.
