Ask Helen
Is She Still Fit Enough To Drive? Celebrity agony aunt Helen Lederer gives you her heartfelt advice every week
My sister is a lot older than I am, but we’ve always got on really well. She drives on our days out because I never passed my driving test. However, the problem is I’m worried that her reactions are just too slow for the busy traffic out there. She’s already had a couple of near misses lately. My husband said to just stop getting in the car with her, but what if she has an accident on her own? I don’t know what to do.
This is a really tricky situation, but one that we will all come across as we all live longer and want to keep our independence which often includes driving into our older age. You must share your concerns.
Could it be your sister just needs stronger glasses? Is she taking any medication that may be a factor? But if she has some other physical difficulties and her reactions are too slow, then you do have a duty to point these out.
A visit to the GP to get expert advice as to what is safe is the only way you will feel reassured – and know that you are doing the right thing at the same time. There are also organisations on the internet to guide you through the safety factors of being an older driver such as WWW.DRIVINGMOBILITY.ORG.UK/ INFORMATION/OLDER-DRIVERS/.
I’m sure your sister will end up being very grateful for your kindly but honest and crucial advice. She may know she is not safe but just needs someone she can fully trust to point that out.
Another solution is to learn to drive yourself and then you can take her out – but that may be a step too far! And the immediate concerns of safety to your sister, yourself, and other users on the road is paramount. Well done for being a good citizen!
A visit to your GP to get expert advice really is the only way you will feel reassured