Taking the keys away from an elderly loved one is no easy task. It means asking her to give up a major source of independence as well as putting into question her mental state and physical ability. Taking away the driving privileges of your elderly loved one could mean saving that person's life as well as protecting the safety of the general public. It is a very important decision and should be well thought out and planned.

Here are a few reasons to take away the keys:

1. Vision or hearing problems.
2. Anxiety or mental confusion.
3. Accidents caused by poor judgment, slow reaction time.
4. Chronic illness.
5. Driver hits curbs, misses turns, or puts pedestrians at risk.

Here are a few ways to have the talk:

1. Build a case by keeping a record of the driver's mishaps.
2. Arrange a meeting with all family members.
3. Ask the primary doctor to back up your decision.
4. Consider a gradual increase in driving restrictions - i.e. only during the day, only on local roads, only short trips.
5. Arrange for the alternatives. A hired driver, family members to share the driving, transportation services, public transportation.
6. If your loved one becomes angry or resists the idea, drop the topic. There is no point in getting into a heated argument. Let it go and reproach the subject in a week or so.
7. Try encouraging your loved one to get tested by the DMV for competence.

Remember that safety always comes first. As upsetting as it can be to see your loved one get angry or hurt by the idea of giving up driving, it still is the right thing to do. If you or your loved one ignore the issue, the consequences will be much more severe than the upsetment of taking away the keys.