How Can I Talk to My Aging Parents About Their Driving?

Modern tools and technology can help keep seniors on the road longer.

April 3, 2026

Why do senior drivers pay more for auto insurance, even when they have a spotless driving record?

Response times (imperative for reacting to situations on the road) are generally slower with age, so older adults pay higher auto insurance rates. Older individuals may not be able to tell how quickly cars are moving, for instance, and may pull out into the street when it’s not safe and get into an accident. Seniors are also more prone to injuries if they have an accident.

There is good news: Today's older adults are involved in fewer fatal crashes per capita than in the past, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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How can older drivers bring their auto insurance rates down?

Here are a few ways to keep your insurance rates under control.

Drive Safely

Safe driving helps seniors (and younger drivers) keep their insurance rates reasonable. Older adults should avoid speeding and moving violations to reduce the risk of having an accident.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Older drivers who take a defensive driving course may get a price break on auto insurance. Some states mandate insurance discounts for mature drivers who complete a state-approved driving course.

Buy a Safe Car

Vehicles with modern safety equipment have lower insurance premiums. Features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft systems can pay off.

Bundle Your Insurance

If you purchase your auto and home insurance from the same company, you can often get a discount.

What can older drivers do to avoid collisions?

No matter your age, everyone can become safer drivers. Here are some things that older adults can do.

Monitor Eye Health

Older adults are at risk for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. They may have trouble reading traffic signs, or glare from oncoming headlights might momentarily blind them. Every year or two, seniors should get a dilated eye exam so their doctor can spot problems and update their prescription, if necessary. Drivers who have trouble seeing in the dark might want to avoid driving at night.

Get Hearing Checked

We depend on sounds—honking horns, sirens, that odd sound under the hood—to warn us of dangers on the road. If our hearing changes, we may miss important signals. Anyone over age 50 should have their hearing checked every few years. People who have been exposed to loud noise like rock concerts or jackhammers should get checked more often.

Exercise

Maintaining strength and flexibility may enhance driving safety. Drivers who have more flexibility in their neck and trunk, for example, may be able to react faster and spot threats on the road.

Embrace Technology

Today’s vehicles offer an array of safety technology, such as:

Automatic transmission
Power steering
Power brakes
Backup cameras that guide the driver when parking and backing up
Sensors that alert the driver to nearby objects or other vehicles that get too close
Blind spot warning systems that warn the driver that another vehicle is in their blind spot
Lane departure warning systems that alert the driver when they are drifting out of their lane
Drowsy driving systems that emit a noise or other warning when the driver shows signs of drowsiness

Drive Safely

Drivers should wear a seat belt, even when going a short distance. Older drivers may want to avoid driving in rainy or icy conditions and keep a safe distance from other drivers.

Drivers of all ages should avoid using a cell phone when behind the wheel—even if texting hands-free. Research from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute suggests voice-to-text isn’t any safer than manual texting. To call or text someone, pull over.

How can I talk to my aging parent if I have concerns about their driving abilities?

Driving may feel like an older adult’s last vestige of independence, and having a conversation about it can be challenging. So, approach the talk with care and consider the following:

Choose a Good Time and Place

Avoid having the conversation when you’re rushed, or when your parents are feeling tired or cranky. Meet someplace where they feel comfortable.

Express Your Concerns

Tell your elderly parent (or parents) that you care about their safety. Give specific examples if they’ve gotten traffic tickets, were in a car accident, or had a near miss. Perhaps focus your argument on other people who might get injured like passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Consider asking your parent’s doctor for their opinion. They understand how existing health conditions could affect driving skills. If the doctor has similar concerns about your mom or dad, it might help sway them.

Create a Plan

If you believe it’s time for your parents to relinquish their car keys, create a plan for them to get around. Could they take public transportation? Can friends or family help them get to the grocery store or doctor appointment? Could they use a service like Uber or Lyft? Your state governmental office on aging may also know about free transportation options for seniors.