Story by Jai Cunningham for KHON news
With Hawai'i America
On Thursday an elderly man accidentally crashed his car into the Long's Drug Store in Hawai'i Kai.
It's a dramatic example of what can happen as we get older behind the wheel.
Here are a few helpful tips on what to look for as possible signs your elderly loved one may be slipping when it comes to driving.
"You're looking for any dents or dings that may appear suddenly in the car, or in the mail box, the garage, or surrounding areas,” said Bruce Bortoff with A.A.R.P.
And Thursday's crash wasn't an isolated incident.
Accidents involving elderly drivers make news quite often.
And as your loved one advances in age you may have a decision to make.
"We call it the conversation because it really is one of those times in life that is very, very sensitive. You’re dealing with someone's independence. You're dealing with a loved ones sense of their own confidence and ability to get around," said Bortoff.
AARP Hawaii offers a number of resources that you can turn to for help.
Even elderly drivers have a program available.
"People of all ages need to keep their driving skills sharp. They need to be reminded of the rules of the road, and the kinds of issues that can occur when you haven't taken a brush up course or a refresher course," said Bortoff.
For more information from the AARP you can visit www.aarpdriversafety.org or call 1-888-227-7669.
Commentary: The reality of the matter is as you get older as a licensed driver, is being able to realize for yourself
when it's time to surrender ones driver's license. In some ways it's surrendering part of your independence, as you start to rely on other forms of transportation, or having a loved one drive you where you need to go. It's not an easy process knowing when it's time to stop driving yourself as you progress in age. It's unfortunate that accidents have been occurring at a higher rate, because of senior drivers, in states across the nation.
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