Not Driving - Loss of Independence or a Blessing?

By Thea Destephano

3 min read

I have always been an independent person and enjoy exploring new places. The ability to drive gave me the opportunity to travel to various locations and become involved in activities and experiences without relying on others.

My friends and family were used to my going at a moment’s notice. Even though I didn’t enjoy the actual experience of driving, particularly in heavy traffic, that didn’t keep me from doing so.

Driving my children, and later my grandchildren, to games and school programs allowed us time together. We often had some of our best conversations on these outings. I was reluctant to have to give that up.

The decision to stop driving

Several years ago I made the decision to give up my driver’s license. Although it was difficult to do, I needed to weigh the advantages of being able to continue driving against possible risks.

Another movement disorder was affecting my reaction times and my vision during particular time periods and macular degeneration affected my vision.

I came to the conclusion that it was more important for me to protect both myself and others than it was to hold on to a sense of independence. I found many helpful discussions as to when the time might have come to stop driving on the National Institution on Aging website.

These tips and suggestions may help you or a loved one determine if the time has come for you, or at least offer some safety precautions.

Trouble seeing

If you are having trouble seeing or are concerned about your vision, here are some tips:¹

Visit your ophthalmologist once a year after the age of 65 if you do not already do so
Make sure your prescription for distance vision is updated
Cut back or stop driving at night
Avoid driving during sunrise and sunset

Trouble hearing

Hearing loss can make it difficult to hear horns, sirens or sounds outside your car. For those experiencing hearing loss, these tips can help:¹

Keep the inside of your car as quiet as possible
Have your hearing checked every 3 years after the age of 50
Discuss any concerns with your doctor

Reaction times and reflexes

Both Parkinson's and aging can lead to slower movement and reflexes. These safety tips can help:¹

Leave more space between cars
Begin braking gently and early when you need to stop
Avoid heavy traffic and rush hours
On a fast-moving highway the safest lane is to the far right as traffic moves more slowly and allows you more time to make decisions
Stay off the roads during inclement weather
Use less heavily traveled routes

Impact of medications

Medications may impact driving. Pay attention to how medications affect you by:

Reading all medication labels
Not driving if you feel dizzy or drowsy
Reviewing all prescription and over the counter medications regarding possible interactions

State and local restrictions

Restrictions and requirements for surrendering your driving privileges vary from state to state. In some cases, it's required that your healthcare team report your medical condition to the DMV.

No state has a mandatory age when one must stop driving. Everyone’s functioning level is different and 65 may be too old for one, whereas another may still be a competent driver at 95! In California, drivers can renew their license ever 2 years until the age of 70. But after that, some localities require more frequent driving tests.²

Concern for a family member

It can be a very difficult conversation if you are concerned about a loved one continuing to drive. Before having that conversation, observe. Be aware of unexplained scratches or dents. Scrapes on the tires can be indicative of parking too close to curbs.¹

Go for a ride and notice reaction times. Do they stay within designated lanes? I have read that some families take away the keys. I am not a proponent of this as it can create a great deal of resentment. Defensive driving classes are available and can result in a reduction of insurance rates.

Time with loved ones

Driving is a multi-functional task that requires several skills.You must focus on the view directly in front of you as well as the periphery and identify and react to possible threats. Knowing that you still possess the needed skills should be the deciding factor for how long you choose to continue to drive.

I have found that there are many ways to maintain my independence and have enjoyed the added bonus of spending time with family and friends as they willingly get me wherever I want to go. That is the blessing I mentioned in the title.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The ParkinsonsDisease.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Sedona2012 Member
Thea, Good piece. Driving is a topic that is always relevant for PwP’s and lots of others. Safety, independence and continued adventure are just a few reasons why. It seems like they give licenses to almost anyone these days. In Arizona you can go for awhile without testing. My wife and I enjoy our trips together. I am much better at giving up the wheel when I am tired. I applaud you for recognizing when to ‘give up the keys’. I just pray I will be as gracious. Blessings, Mike 
1. Marc Mitnick Member
 <inline-mention username="Sedona2012" user-id="4214033"/> For all the reasons that were listed in Thea's article, I stopped driving, Mike. It definitely limited my independence, but my wife is not the designated driver. One thing that influenced me to give it up. If you are the cause of an accident and the other party finds out about our diagnosis, you may be personally liable for the damages, legal fees, etc. if the case goes to court. I was then on board with not driving again. By the way, how are you doing these days? Regards, Marc M., Moderator, <a href='http://ParkinsonsDisease.Net' target='_blank'>ParkinsonsDisease.Net</a>
2. Thea Destephano Member
 <inline-mention username="Sedona2012" user-id="4214033"/> I appreciate your comments. My decision to stop driving was not as difficult as it might have been. My Dad was very severely injured when he was hit head on by someone who should not have been behind the wheel. The thought of causing an accident weighed heavily on me. As Marc pointed out driving with a serious condition could lead to all sorts of legal ramifications. I hope you are well and looking forward to spring. Thea DeStephano, Community Team Member
Posy Member
In the UK, we have to declare our diagnosis of PD to the DVLA. When my license was up for renewal, I was asked if my meds affected my driving. I could answer “No” to every variation of the question until I had to say if they made me sleepy. I had to be honest and answer “Yes” as I was almost falling asleep in the car. Therefore, I am now not allowed to drive. Suddenly my life of pretty convertibles and independence was gone. My darling husband took early retirement at 50, and he chauffeurs me to appointments near and far, occasional lunch dates with friends etc, and never complains. It makes me feel old, and I cant bear to take advantage of him, so I rarely go out. Luckily, we love being at home and I have friends round me. If I were alone, however, it would be quite devastating.
Phil Horton Member
Thea, thanks for writing about a difficult subject and providing valuable advice and information! I also have been through the experience and deluded myself into continuing to drive past the point where I was safe behind the wheel. It took a second fender bender before my wife and I made the decision for me to stop driving. I may still regret the small loss of spontaneity but my stress and anxiety levels are way down. If I may add to your excellent list, many communities have ride sharing, elderly transport, and other alternatives to explore as additional resources to get around. Phil Horton
pdchat Member
Thanks Thea for sharing! My husband has Retinitis Pigmentosa (referred to as tunnel vision sometimes) with barely 1% of his macula still functioning. And he has PD. I have been searching for someone who is dealing with blindness as well as PD. We currently live in India. Would you be comfortable sharing your contact details so he and you could perhaps share some common experiences and ways to deal with them? 
1. Thea Destephano Member
 <inline-mention username="pdchat" user-id="3104745"/> Although I am more than willing to have a private conversation with you, I really don’t have much to share as my macular degeneration is mild and my vision has not changed in 4 years. You might want to go on the site for macular degeneration 
2. pdchat Member
 Thanks Thea, I am glad you still have functioning vision. Wish you good luck for prevention of further degeneration.
Thea Destephano Member
<inline-mention username="pdchat" user-id="3104745"/> My fingers seem to have a mind of their own today.
Dan Glass Member
One of my relatives needed the keys removed. she was in several accidents, but didn't hurt anyone. I understand the difficulty in removing freedom and not wanting to cause resentment, but I also know, from my own future decision and the influences on it, that sometimes the call needs to be made. after her last accident, she was priced out of driving again. I'm thankful for that, but scared for her dementia. This happened recently, and with my PD parallels still has me shaken / wishing her the best as the dementia increases.

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