Ask The Best And Brightest: When Do You Take The Keys Away?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Sometimes this is an easy question to answer. If you’re talking General Motors, I’d have taken Wagoner out of the driver seat sometime in 2005. At least. But when you’re talking about an aging family member who may be giving up their connection to the outside world, deciding when to take away the keys can be a wrenching decision. The New York Times reports that new tests may help identify when patients with Alzheimer’s begin to place themselves and others in danger by getting behind the wheel. But for elderly people without an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, the signs that a family member may no longer be able to drive safely are not always immediately evident. Have you had to take the keys away fom a family member who was no longer able to drive? Was it possible to do so before an accident occurred? Does your state or local government require additional testing for elderly drivers? Have you been denied driving privileges for reasons other than criminal charges?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Joe_thousandaire Joe_thousandaire on Feb 26, 2009

    Government mandated removal at 75, I'm talking about euthanasia, not just the car keys.

  • AG AG on Feb 26, 2009

    My Grandfather gave up the keys well before he got old. He just walked everywhere, no matter how far. He'd leave in the morning and come back after sunset and we'd ask where he went he'd say "the store" we'd ask "you mean the one 6 miles away down the highway?" and he'd say "yeah." Granted, its easier to keep someone from driving if they've never driven in this country before.

  • Jerseydevil Jerseydevil on Feb 26, 2009
    joe_thousandaire : February 26th, 2009 at 2:02 am Government mandated removal at 75, I’m talking about euthanasia, not just the car keys. You might feel differently at 74 5
  • TZ TZ on Feb 26, 2009

    I'd say after they drive 123 mph on a moderately-traveled freeway with a carload of family members.

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