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When should seniors stop driving?

The Minnesota Safety Council now offers a Seasoned Driver Training Program, teaching basic crash prevention techniques through lectures, films, and discussions.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- In Minnesota...

"Driving is a privilege on our roads. And, so when you get behind the wheel, do you have the mechanisms to drive that car safely?" asked Lisa Kons, the Traffic Safety Program Manager with the Minnesota Safety Council.

Mechanisms mean different things; for some it's mental or physical health, for others, maybe the car just needs to fit better.

"As we age we don't have the flexibility to turn, look over our shoulder. Maybe it's hard for us to pull that seatbelt. Maybe we can't see out of that rearview window," said Kons.

Limitations can make driving dangerous. A new study from Triple-A finds 83% of drivers 65-to-79 years old never talk with a doctor or family about their driving. The reason is simple. They don't want to lose their independence.

"So, what we want to do is we want to equip them with safety so they can driver longer, safer, not take those keys away," said Kons.

The Minnesota Safety Council now offers a Seasoned Driver Training Program, teaching basic crash prevention techniques through lectures, films, and discussions. There is no behind-the-wheel driving and there are no tests. People 55 and older get a discount on their auto insurance.

The problem, though, is getting people to admit they need help.

"Have a plan in place where when we're 65 or 70 we're going to talk about what is the thing we're going to look for as a family," said Kons.

Things like new dents, tickets, and crashes. Or, has there been a change in behavior like a new medication, confusion, or dizziness? And, if it's your first conversation, be positive and compassionate.

"This is what we were thinking because maybe it's just a limited license they need. 'You know what Mom or Dad, nighttime driving seems to be an issue for you, we're going to start offering you a ride at night time," said Kons. "You can be an excellent, safe driver until you're 105 and healthy."

In Minnesota, a driver's license needs to be renewed every four years with a vision test. There's no age limit, although certain medical conditions may prevent people from driving.

For tips on how to discuss this topic with a family member, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.

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