You ever have to take an old person's keys?

[BULLDOG]

I've thought about it in the past, but just couldn't do it, but it's past time. She's 96 and still lives alone. Does her own house work, shops for groceries, drives herself to church and everything else. I did convince her to not drive after dark and stay off the interstate, It's not like she would be stranded. There is enough family to take her anywhere she wants to go when she wants to go. Driving represents her autonomy, and to take her car would break her heart. Not because he wants to drive, but because her son was the one to do it. Still---- can't get past the point that it is time. Has anybody here had to do that? Any suggestions to make it easier?

 

[JustAnotherNut]

Thankfully no, I've not had to and that is because they knew it was time to hand them over.

If she hasn't had any accidents, tickets or scary moments and can still drive herself......they why would you take the keys and her 'freedom' ??

If she can still do all those things at her age, it sounds like she's still capable of driving herself, as well as making the decision of when it's time to hand them over, without you taking them from her as if she's an errant child.

You can always ask her about her driving experiences, if she can see clearly behind the wheel, if she's holding up traffic by driving slower or any number of similar things....just to get a better idea of her ability.......or you can follow her to see for yourself.

 

[Mack The Finger]

Any suggestions to make it easier?

IMHO find a "cool copper" and talk to him / her / it for guidance.

I've take keys off drunks before and to this day I am glad I did even tho one gave a good shot to the jaw.

 

[cnm]

See if you can do it through bureaucracy during relicensing or whatever. Fitness to drive, vision test... Let someone else take the blame.

Would a mobility scooter as a possibly less dangerous option fit anyone's ideas?

 

[cnm]

You can always ask her about her driving experiences, if she can see clearly behind the wheel, if she's holding up traffic by driving slower or any number of similar things....just to get a better idea of her ability.......or you can follow her to see for yourself.

Be driven by her is a better test. And if those things are there?

 

[Chuz Life]

I've thought about it in the past, but just couldn't do it, but it's past time. She's 96 and still lives alone. Does her own house work, shops for groceries, drives herself to church and everything else. I did convince her to not drive after dark and stay off the interstate, It's not like she would be stranded. There is enough family to take her anywhere she wants to go when she wants to go. Driving represents her autonomy, and to take her car would break her heart. Not because he wants to drive, but because her son was the one to do it. Still---- can't get past the point that it is time. Has anybody here had to do that? Any suggestions to make it easier?

Yes a few times unfortunately. When it is for their own good and safety, it's the responsible thing to do. Imagine having to do the same with firearms.

 

[Orangecat]

Imagine having to do the same with firearms.

I don’t think you’d have to resort to firearms to get the keys from an oldster. They’re generally pretty frail and slow.

 

[Chuz Life]

I don’t think you’d have to resort to firearms to get the keys from an oldster. They’re generally pretty frail and slow.

You never met my grandmother. LoL.

 

[BULLDOG]

Thankfully no, I've not had to and that is because they knew it was time to hand them over.

If she hasn't had any accidents, tickets or scary moments and can still drive herself......they why would you take the keys and her 'freedom' ??

If she can still do all those things at her age, it sounds like she's still capable of driving herself, as well as making the decision of when it's time to hand them over, without you taking them from her as if she's an errant child.

You can always ask her about her driving experiences, if she can see clearly behind the wheel, if she's holding up traffic by driving slower or any number of similar things....just to get a better idea of her ability.......or you can follow her to see for yourself.

I've ridden with her. Her knees are stiff and she can barely move them. There is no gentle braking. There is no smooth acceleration. It's close to all or nothing. When she turns from one road to another, the last minute braking throws anything on the seat into the floorboard. If she sees a sign that attracts her attention, she doesn't glance and then look back at the road. She will continue to look for 5 or 6 seconds while drifting to that side of the road. I'm not doing this lightly. She will likely hurt herself or others. The DPS will evaluate older drivers capabilities upon receipt of an anonymous report of it being necessary. It might be best to let them tell her it's time. It would certainly be easier for me.

 

[fncceo]

You ever have to take an old person's keys?​

Ever hear of due process?

 

[BULLDOG]

I don’t think you’d have to resort to firearms to get the keys from an oldster. They’re generally pretty frail and slow.

I would never use a firearm to force my mother to do anything. Knowing her, this situation might call for a cattle prod though.

 

[BULLDOG]

See if you can do it through bureaucracy during relicensing or whatever. Fitness to drive, vision test... Let someone else take the blame.

Would a mobility scooter as a possibly less dangerous option fit anyone's ideas?

That might be the best shot. I just don't want her to know I was the one to put all that in motion. A scooter won't take her 5 miles to her church.

 

[Chuz Life]

I would never use a firearm to force my mother to do anything. Knowing her, this situation might call for a cattle prod though.

I had to take firearms away from a family member.

Orangecat turned that into me using a firearm to take keys away.

Wooosh.

 

[Harry Dresden]

That might be the best shot. I just don't want her to know I was the one to put all that in motion. A scooter won't take her 5 miles to her church.

when is her license up?....they are supposed to have new rules for seniors now...

 

[BULLDOG]

when is her license up?....they are supposed to have new rules for seniors now...

Next year. Don't think it should wait that long.

 

[the watcher]

I would never use a firearm to force my mother to do anything. Knowing her, this situation might call for a cattle prod though.

That's why Smith and Wesson brought out the Granny Smith .32, to give her an edge. Of course, it comes with a doily grip and crochet holster.

 

[Harry Dresden]

Next year. Don't think it should wait that long.

then someone is just going to have to take it away......check with your states DMV...at her age she will probably have to take a written and driving test along with eye and cognitive tests...do you think she can pass those?...if she cant they will take her license away and you wont have to worry about doing it...

 

[Care4all]

when is her license up?....they are supposed to have new rules for seniors now...

I don't think they expire in Florida for the elderly, after a certain point???

 

[Harry Dresden]

I don't think they expire in Florida for the elderly, after a certain point???

i seen this today.......


Starting in July 2025, the viral article claims, the U.S. Department of Transportation will roll out new laws focused on drivers aged 70 and older requiring them to undergo eye exams, road tests and even cognitive screenings to keep their driver licenses. For those aged 70-80, the posts claims seniors will have to renew their license every four years; 81-86 will be every two years; and 87-plus will have to renew their license every year.
As a driver ages, more tests will be required, with people aged 87 and older required to undergo an annual eye exam and a mandatory road driving test. Sounds like a huge change, right? The problem is, it’s not true.
There is no national law – recently passed or otherwise – that mandates driver license regulations for senior citizens. States have autonomy to set their driver license requirements and some do mandate seniors to undergo an eye exam before renewing their licenses.

 

[1srelluc]

i seen this today.......


Starting in July 2025, the viral article claims, the U.S. Department of Transportation will roll out new laws focused on drivers aged 70 and older requiring them to undergo eye exams, road tests and even cognitive screenings to keep their driver licenses. For those aged 70-80, the posts claims seniors will have to renew their license every four years; 81-86 will be every two years; and 87-plus will have to renew their license every year.
As a driver ages, more tests will be required, with people aged 87 and older required to undergo an annual eye exam and a mandatory road driving test. Sounds like a huge change, right? The problem is, it’s not true.
There is no national law – recently passed or otherwise – that mandates driver license regulations for senior citizens. States have autonomy to set their driver license requirements and some do mandate seniors to undergo an eye exam before renewing their licenses.

NOT TRUE!!!!!​

​

Fact Check: Hit the brakes on rumored new US Department of Transportation rules for drivers 70 and up​

Fact Check: Hit the brakes on rumored new US Department of Transportation rules for drivers 70 and up

A fictional rumor claimed a new federal guideline would implement new hurdles for senior drivers seeking to renew their licenses in the U.S.

www.yahoo.com

Snopes ran both stories through artificial-intelligence (AI) content detectors, which confirmed both were likely the products of AI software.....Likely started by some TDS ridden dem.