Driving Reduction and Cessation: Transitioning to Not Driving

Kostyniuk, Lidia P.; Connell, Cathleen M.; Robling, Danielle K. · 2009 · ROSA P / University of Michigan. Transportation Research Institute

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Summary

This study investigates the process of driving reduction and cessation among older adults, focusing on the psychological, social, and familial dynamics involved in transitioning from active driving to non-driving. The research was motivated by the aging population and the associated increase in crash risk for drivers over age 75, alongside the critical role driving plays in maintaining independence and quality of life. The primary objectives were to identify common markers of the cessation process and to understand the complex family dynamics that influence decision-making regarding when and how older adults stop driving. The researchers conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of audio recordings from twelve focus groups and ten structured interviews involving Michigan residents. The sample included 39 current drivers (aged 65–87), 24 former drivers (aged 65–96), and 37 adult children concerned about their parents’ driving. Using NVivo 7 software, two coders analyzed over 700 pages of transcribed text to extract themes and establish inter-rater reliability. The analysis examined self-regulating behaviors, critical events preceding cessation, attitudes toward stopping, and the role of adult children in the process. Findings revealed that older drivers often exhibit reluctance to stop driving, avoid specific traffic conditions, and perceive driving as essential for independence. Many lacked planning for cessation and were unwilling to acknowledge declining capabilities or perceived risks to others. Adult children approached the issue through avoidance, discussion, or action. Avoidance involved ignoring the problem; discussion included negotiating rules or expressing concern; action involved taking keys or consulting physicians. Action was most likely to lead to cessation but often resulted in parental anger and resentment if the parent was not involved in the decision. Key barriers included older adults’ desire to avoid burdening their children and children’s reluctance to assume a caregiving role. Post-cessation, former drivers frequently experienced negative psychosocial effects, such as feelings of dependence and family friction, while adult children reported reassurance regarding safety but discomfort with role reversal. The study concludes that driving cessation is a highly emotional transition with significant ripple effects on family dynamics. The divergence in perspectives between older drivers, who prefer to drive longer, and adult children, who often advocate for earlier cessation, creates communication barriers. The authors recommend future research involving paired parent-child dyads to explore shared decision-making and risk perception. They also suggest linking this work to broader literatures on successful aging and family caregiving to develop programs that help families navigate this transition smoothly.

Key finding

Adult children typically approach driving cessation through avoidance, discussion, or action, with action strategies like taking away keys often leading to anger and resentment if the parent is not involved in the decision.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 100

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• older drivers
• parental management