Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

THOUGHTS ON WHEN IT IS TIME TO STOP DRIVING

THOUGHTS ON WHEN IT IS TIME TO STOP DRIVING

• Having trouble following traffic signals, road signs and pavement markings. • Responding more slowly to unexpected situations, or having trouble moving foot from gas to brake pedals, confusing the two pedals.

If an individual is not able to leave their home to surrender their license and obtain a state ID card, they can apply for a Homebound State ID. The Homebound State ID program is for older adults, individuals who are immobilized, and people with disabilities who are unable to leave their home to obtain a state ID from their local Secretary of State facility. The state ID card can be used for identification for individuals who are no longer able to drive. An application form must be filled out online at ilsos.gov to determine eligibility for the Homebound State ID Card Program. If you need assistance to help determine if you or a loved one qualifies for this service, call 312-814-3121. If you or a loved one is clear in all of these areas, they should still attend a Driving Course. AARP and your local DMV both offer a course for mature drivers to brush up on the rules of the road for around $20. With this course comes insurance discounts and verification that you are cleared to be behind the wheel. Find a course near you today. Warning Signs According to AARP, here are 10 signs it’s time to limit or stop driving: • Almost crashing, with frequent close calls. • Finding dents or scrapes on the car, or fences, mailboxes and garage doors at home. • Getting lost, especially in familiar locations.

When individuals reach an age where they shouldn’t drive, it is difficult for both families and the individual. This transition is different for everyone and can happen at different ages. Here are some ways to start the process and some alternative solutions. To check if you or a loved one should still be behind the wheel you can look in these areas. Starting with their health, evaluate if there is any pain in joints, chronic conditions, fatigue, and stress. If any of these symptoms are present, they may cause issues while behind the wheel. Also, it is important as the aging process continues that you get regular scheduled hearing and vision tests. These medical conditions are all signals that individual shouldn’t be behind the wheel. Another area to look into is if there are any difficulties while driving such as changing lanes, drifting into other lanes, incorrectly judging distance while braking, and forgetting to use the proper signals. There are alternatives that should be known if you or a loved one has to surrender their license. A common misconception is that a person’s independence is being taken away from them. That is not the case. Upon going through this process, there are other ways to get around that give that person just as much independence. For example, there is the public transit, Uber and Lyft, or contacting a volunteer program. All of these companies allow the individual to access a ride and go places when they want to. Surrendering a license can be taken care of at your local DMV.

• Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Experiencing road rage or causing other drivers to honk or complain. • Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving. • Having a hard time turning around to check the rear view while backing up or changing lanes. • Receiving multiple traffic tickets or warnings from law enforcement officers.

“ And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. ” Abraham Lincoln

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