Elderly driving: Evaluation expert and, potential, car recommendation?
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Anonymous
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My mother (~80) is starting to slow down a bit, and she has had some minor driving issues over the past year (e.g., bumping a car while parking, bumping a pole in an underground garage). To her credit, she is very open to assessing whether she should continue driving (her kids, me included, are urging her to take ubers for around-town, and we drive her whenever going out-of-town).
1. Elderly driver evaluation: My mother has asked if there is a way to have her driving assessed by a professional, who can give an objective viewpoint as to whether or not she should be driving. I don't know if such an expert exists--anyone have experience or ideas? Any names/recs around Bethesda would be highly welcome. 2. Car recommendation: If she is going to continue driving for a few years, she wants to get a new or gently used car. Her current car is several years old, lacks cameras, blind spot detection, etc--just none of the modern safety features. She wants a car that is as safe as possible. She likely wants a smaller SUV, as she likes sitting "higher up," but she is short and doesn't want to "climb" into a car. Any recommendation for a new or couple year used car that would be good for someone in these situations that is around $40 or $45k or less? Thanks in advance for any advice! |
Anonymous
| My mom got the small Volvo suv with all the safety features. Not sure the cost. |
Anonymous
| You can get a new Honda crv ex with safety features like blind spot monitoring for under $35k or crv sport hybrid which adds parking sensors among other things for under $40k |
Anonymous
| In my experience with an elderly parent (actually a little younger than your mom) the little bumps etc are a leading indicator that they are no longer a safe driver. They are the outward manifestations that someone's reflexes and physical/mental skills are no longer sufficient to operate a motor vehicle. There are almost certainly a lot of other near misses. It's insane to think that the solution for an 80yo who is getting in accidents is to buy a new car with unfamiliar equipment. |
Anonymous
+100 to all of this. OP the solution is not to get her a new car, but to come up with an alternative transportation plan. Hitting things here and there, even if "small" means that their situational awareness is eroding. Having spatial awareness is the #1 most important thing when driving, and a new car with all the safety bells and whistles is not the answer. |
Anonymous
This. Her depth perception is clearly off. But if she insists, make sure she has a very good umbrella policy (like $3m) and look at Volvos. Maybe xc60 or 40. |
Anonymous
| FFS - make she she knows how to use Uber and do not indulge her and help with buying a new car, unless you have the stomach for her killing someone. |
Anonymous
| Why is she bumping? Maybe she needs a new pair of glasses? Why can’t you ride with her and observe? Ask her to change lanes, etc like what you do with your teen driver when practicing for the driving test. |
Anonymous
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You might try reaching out to a driving school to see if one of their instructors would do an assessment. "I Drive Smart" (in MD) has a senior refresher training that sounds to revolve around an assessment. https://idrivesmart.com/
For a new car...consider a sub-compact SUV like Honda HR-V, Subaru Cross-Trek, Chevy Trax. Buick Envista, Corolla Cross. These sit up higher than a regular sedan but I think are lower than larger SUVs. Maybe even a Kia Soul could be a good height. |
Anonymous
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https://mva.maryland.gov/safety/Pages/older/driver-education-older-drivers.aspx
Here's the MVA part with some resources from AAA. Also if you click the link that says Driver Rehabilitation it should give you a document with the places that will do an in office and behind the wheel assessment of her safety |