When Should Elderly Residents Stop Driving? Age Isn't Only Factor to Consider

By: Bonney Bowman - Email

Updated: Mon 10:32 PM, Jul 23, 2012

Watch Sunday's Story: Medical Episode May be a Factor in Deadly Lincoln Crash

Car crashes are always difficult emotionally for families of the victims. But when one of the drivers involved is a senior citizen, it raises the question - When should elderly residents stop driving?

Lincoln Police say a medical emergency may be to blame for Sunday's deadly crash near 70th and A Streets.

According to police, 88-year-old Flossie Bonnell lost control of her minivan and lost her life in the collision.

But aging expert June Pederson says whether or not Bonnell should have been behind the wheel can't be judged by her years alone.

"Some people lose those skills very early; some have them until they're in the 90s," said Pederson.

Pederson says seniors need to be honest with themselves about whether it's safe for them to drive.

Pederson says there are signs it might be time to stop. "If you've scraped another car as you were backing out or if you've left a review mirror on the side of your garage or some of those things that say that my reflexes, my depth perception isn't quite as good as it had been."

The Nebraska DMV says Bonnell renewed her license in 2010 with no problems.

But if a senior comes in and they're confused or having trouble moving around, the DMV might require more tests before renewing their license. Crashes can happen anywhere, any time and age is often not the cause.

"I've had more fear from younger drivers who are driving rapidly, speeding and on the phone and listening to the radio. Those things concern me just as much as someone who's not doing any of those things and who is driving a little more slowly to be careful," said Pederson.

Pederson says it's up to their families and the seniors themselves to make sure they're safe on the road.

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