Is it time to hang up your keys? Police offer tips on how to navigate the driving decision

When is it time for someone to hang up their car keys? Police in N.S. are sharing insight for seniors.

Cape Breton Regional Police held an information session in Glace Bay, N.S., on Tuesday to talk to the community about knowing when it’s time to hang up your keys for good.

“It has crossed my mind that it’s coming close to the time that I would have to give up the keys”, said Karen Gouthro, a 74-year-old Glace Bay resident.

Others, however, are not too keen on the idea of someone telling them to get out from behind the wheel.

“You don’t want to know how I would react,” said John Marr of Glace Bay, with a laugh.

The information session for older drivers and their families was hosted by Const. Gary Fraser of the Cape Breton Regional Police, and retired police officer Barry Gordon – who is now a Senior Safety Navigator with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

“There’s no age limit for (driver) testing,” Const. Fraser said. “That’s the big thing. There’s a lot of myths out there.”

Fraser and Gordon shared tips about signs to watch out for when it comes to physical decline, or cognitive decline conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Fraser shared a story with the group about a man he found stopped along Highway 125 in Cape Breton.

“He looked like he was panicking. I spoke with him and he said, ‘I don’t know where I am. I don’t know how to get around,’” Fraser recalled. “I called EHS, we had him assessed and taken to hospital and it turned out that he was suffering from some kind of decline.”

The session also offered advice on how people might handle what can, in some cases, be a delicate conversation.

“You can say, ‘Listen, I’ve noticed this. I’ve noticed that your car is coming home with a dent in it. I noticed that you’re missing a mirror,’” Fraser said. “Don’t make it about them, make it about what you’re observing.”

For someone to be mandated to take another road test, Fraser says it usually requires a medical professional or police officer to flag something of concern.

As a result, he said it often ends up being a judgment call made by drivers and their family members.

Gouthro remembers the conversation she had with her father.

“It was hard for him,” Gouthro said. “He really minded the idea of (no longer driving). It cut off his freedom, kept him in the house.”

Many in attendance acknowledged it is a decision that can be difficult, even if someone is making it for themselves.

“I hope I have sense enough to realize when it is time,” Gouthro said.

Const. Fraser added it is often helpful to have a plan – such as public transit, or rides from relatives – so that someone who gives up their driver’s license can still get around. He adds such a plan can help mitigate some of the independence that can often be lost when a person gives up their keys.

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