Should My Dad Still Drive?

Answer:

It depends on your father's abilities. If his eyesight, hearing, and reflexes are still "youthful"—and you feel comfortable riding in the car with him—there's no reason he should not be driving. Numerous states have instituted more stringent license renewal policies for older drivers, such as more frequent and in-person renewals, eye tests, and driving tests upon reaching a designated age. You may want to go along for his next license renewal.

When measured by crashes per mile driven, drivers between the ages of 25 and 64 have a fairly constant rate of accidents. This rate begins to rise at age 70 and goes up rapidly at age 80. Drivers 85 and older are more likely to be killed in a crash than any other age group. So, making a decision about driving becomes more important every year.

One way your father can improve his skills—and perhaps reduce the cost of his car insurance—is by taking a driver improvement course. Many states require insurance discounts for drivers (usually those over 55) who complete a state-certified course, while other states allow insurers to offer voluntary discounts for those who complete such a course. An insurance agent can provide information on available discounts and course requirements.