You can talk to older family members about their driving skills

If you are concerned that an older driver in your family is no longer safe behind the wheel, it may be time to have a conversation about driving.

While it may be an uncomfortable subject, the good news is that with a little thought and preparation you can make that conversation more productive. Start by doing your homework:

•Get the facts. Learn about the warning signs of driving problems, observe your relative’s driving and look for patterns of warning signs.

•Discuss your concerns with a doctor.

•Investigate and be prepared to offer alternative means of transportation.

To help you, experts on older drivers at The Hartford Financial Services Group and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab suggest the following:

•Use a loved one’s change in health or medication as the trigger to start the conversation. According to a recent study, older drivers said that a significant change in their health was a legitimate reason to have a discussion about driving.

•Be supportive of an older driver’s voluntary efforts to modify or cut back on his or her driving.

•Discuss how driving has changed. Acknowledge that road conditions and faster, heavier traffic can make driving more stressful.

•Use news reports about accidents that involve older and younger drivers to start a conversation about what it means to be able to drive safely.

•Use a recent event, such as a near accident or getting lost while driving, as a way to start the conversation about restricting or giving up driving.

The Hartford and MIT’s AgeLab have created a free 24-page guide called "We Need to Talk: Family Conversations with Older Drivers."

To learn more about driving, or to order a copy of the guide, visit www.thehartford.com.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.