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Giving up the keys
Seminar to show the signs of risky elderly drivers

By Nick Smith
Staff Writer
Published/Last Modified on Monday, November 2, 2009 11:18 AM CST


Conversations with older loved ones about their ability to continue driving an automobile that can be difficult for families to have. A seminar aimed at making this potentially difficult conversation a bit easier to know how to handle has been scheduled in Williston.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol will be conducting a 90-minute seminar called "We need to talk...Family conversations with older drivers" on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Williams County Law Enforcement Center.

The seminar is free and will be led by a Highway Patrol officer.

Topics to be discussed will include when is a good time to talk with an older family member about their driving, who should initiate the conversation and how.

Captain Alan Billehus of the North Dakota Highway Patrol said this will be the second time they've held the seminar, which they hold in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). "We're trying to hold this once a year, and perhaps more frequently if there is interest in it. We're hoping that there's going to be some good participation," said Billehus.

Billehus said other topics that will be discussed include what kind of warning signs could indicate a driver may need to cut back or stop driving, and how to develop a family plan to help your loved one still be active and out in the community.

He added that North Dakota is a state that has a high population of older individuals so sharing information on such a topic is important.

He also said this is a topic that should be approached carefully by family and friends.

"After a number of years as you age, you start to have more issues with mobility or being able to do things. Being able to drive is often one of the last remaining freedoms as they age, and having that taken away from them can be very difficult and hurtful to them," said Billehus.

Statistics have shown that the driving abilities of older adults can be impaired due to medical conditions, use of medications, and age-related factors in physical and mental functions.

Such things could increase the risk of accidents and injuries involving older drivers.

To register for the seminar contact the Williston Highway Patrol regional office at 774-4360.

If you are interested in requesting or hosting a seminar in your community, contact the same number.
 

Copyright © 2010 Williston Herald

Comments

    Nicole wrote on Nov 16, 2009 11:00 AM:

    " PLEASE TALK TO YOUR ELDERLY LOVED ONE!! My mother and neice were in an accident this weekend. A very elderly woman did not stop at an intersection and hit the side of my families truck. They were on the 1804 road coming into Williston from the west. She was injured and so was my mother and niece. They airlifted her out to another hospital. She was at least 80 years old. Not only would you do the public a favor by removing her from the road, but you would also be doing them a favor. She could have killed my family and herself!!! We need to make a more aggressive effort to remove their licence or their keys. Everyone talks about it...Everyone knows about it...But, no one is doing anything about it. Please, let's try something because, I am pretty stubborn. I may not just hand my keys over some day. I am going to need a law to make it happen. So, let's get that law soon!!! "

    what wrote on Nov 3, 2009 7:22 AM:

    " Maybe we should be having a seminar about how to provide some public transportation for these individuals, not just up and take their keys.....not everybody has relatives or friends to chauffeur them around. Have you ever tried to get a bus from Ray to Williston...how about from Sidney to Williston?!? "

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