Giving up driving isn’t just a case of handing back your car keys and getting on with everything as normal. It represents a loss of independence and the end of a major phase in your life. Travelling presents new challenges, having to schedule your journeys around public transport and rigid routes.

It’s these downsides that make it so difficult to hang up your car keys, even when you know that it’s the right thing to do. However, giving up driving can benefit your own personal safety and the safety of others on the road.

In this article, we’ll explain the process of giving up driving and the psychological and practical impacts it can have on you. We’ll also discuss alternative travel options to make sure you never become isolated.

When it’s time to stop driving: Assessment tools

Giving up driving relies on self-assessment, the assessment of those close to you and professional assessment. Unless you’re physically unable to drive, the decision will be difficult to make, which is why it’s important to take the opinions of others into account.

Self-assessment and family assessment

Driving requires a lot of physical movements that most able-bodied people won’t even realise they’re doing. These include head turns, movement of the feet when using pedals and quick wrist movements when changing gear or indicating. Once these become painful or you can no longer do them at speed, driving will become very difficult.

Not being able to see road signs or read the number plate of the car in front will also put you in danger. A loss of hearing should also contribute to thoughts about driving cessation. And of course, practical driving errors are usually a sign that driving is becoming more difficult to do safely, such as near misses with other cars.

Professional assessment

The first port of call for a professional assessment of driving capability is the GP or doctor. They’ll be able to assess how certain medical conditions or aging symptoms will affect driving ability. They’ll also be able to diagnose any conditions that need to be reported to the DVLA.

Driving mobility assessments are important too, as they will be conducted by specialised professionals. These evaluations will test your cognitive capability, as well as assessing your on-road performance.

Based on your results, you’ll either be approved to carry on driving or receive a recommendation for cessation, refresher lessons or vehicle adaptations.

Psychological impact of losing independence

Driving is inherently linked with independence and freedom. So, when it’s gone, the psychological impact can be damaging. This is especially the case with elderly people, who may rely on a car for attending social events and seeing friends and family. Here are some symptoms associated with a loss of independence:

Social isolation: Being part of social groups and visiting friends and family is vital, especially for elderly people. Not having access to a car can limit these, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Depression: A disrupted daily life due to driving cessation can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety creeping in. One of these symptoms is feeling like a burden when asking for lifts to and from places.
Helplessness: A loss of independence can result in feelings of helplessness. These feelings will often manifest themselves through frustration, anger and mood swings.
Feelings of grief: This may sound extreme, but giving up driving can bring about feelings of grief. This is especially the case for those who have driven for many years, as they’re losing something closely entwined with their personality and lifestyle.

Alternative transportation options by region

Of course, driving isn’t the only way of getting to and from places, with multiple forms of alternative transportation available across the UK. These vary from region to region, with options in rural areas being different to cities.

Public transport

Public transport is the most obvious alternative to cars, with bus stops being within walking distance for most people living in towns and cities. If you live in a remote area, however, they may not be as accessible. The main benefits of getting the bus is the price, with ticket costs being capped. Older people will also be eligible for a free bus pass.

Getting the train is another form of transport suited to those living in towns and cities. While trains do occasionally stop in smaller villages, they mostly stop in areas with higher population densities.

Community transport

Many local councils offer Community Transport services, which offer accessible and affordable travel for the elderly, vulnerable and remote communities. These help people to access essential services, such as hospitals and supermarkets. Dial-a-Ride services are a particular example, allowing people to book pre-arranged trips and get picked up from their door.

Taxis

Getting a taxi is probably the most independent alternative to driving, as you can request it to arrive at a certain time and take you to your exact destination. However, it’s a considerably pricier method of getting around, especially during peak times. It’s also becoming more challenging for those with low technological proficiency as companies are moving towards app-based booking systems.

Family conversations about driving safety

For most families, there comes a time when the conversation of driving safety must be approached, especially with an elderly relative. This can be uncomfortable and met with resistance, but it’s essential for the safety of the relative and those who share the road with them.

Here’s how to approach the topic:

Maintain empathy: It’s vital to let the family member know that you understand the importance of driving for independence. Always tell them you’re approaching the topic with concern for their safety.
Explain why: Let them know about aspects of their driving that are concerning, with first-hand examples to draw from.
Suggest a plan: Don’t have the conversation without suggesting alternatives to driving. Offer lifts or work out ways that they can get to the places they need to be throughout the week.

This conversation is never easy, but it’s important. Approaching it with empathy and understanding is key, as elderly people aren’t necessarily going to be willing participants.

Community resources and ride-sharing for seniors

There are plenty of resources across the UK designed to help elderly people get around. The frequency and accessibility of these resources does depend on the location of the senior citizen, but on the whole, the options are plentiful.

Here are some of the options available around the UK:

Local council schemes: Local councils often have transport schemes available for elderly people, including Dial-a-Ride or Book-a-Ride, which offer door-to-door pickups. These services are designed to be accessible for all, including wheelchair users.
Patient Transport Services (PTS): These are NHS-supported pickup services, designed to take elderly people to hospital appointments if they can’t get there themselves.
Royal Voluntary Service: These services are run by volunteers, who have specially adapted vehicles for transporting elderly and disabled people to social activities and appointments.
Age UK: If you’re unsure of the transport options available to your elderly loved one, Age UK provides advice and local transport coordination to prevent isolation.

Prevent your elderly loved one from becoming isolated with SureSafe

Driving cessation is a key factor in feelings of isolation amongst elderly people in the UK. It can also cause an older person to withdraw, not asking for help when they desperately need it. With SureSafe’s elderly care solutions, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Our alarms for the elderly come with 24/7 monitoring, so if they were to become unwell or have a fall, we can provide round-the-clock responses. Our devices contain GPS trackers, meaning the location of your loved one will be easily detectable by the response team.

For more information about the products we have to offer, contact us on 0808 304 0480, get in touch with our live chat, or request a call back.