If you’re in Round Rock or North Austin and you’re dealing with a parent who refuses to stop driving, you already know this is not just a transportation issue. It’s identity, independence, and fear all wrapped together.
Dementia can affect judgment, reaction time, memory, and visual spatial skills. Over time, those changes can make driving unsafe, even if your loved one has “always been a good driver.” The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has specific warning signs and practical steps for families when driving becomes unsafe.
This article is educational, not medical or legal advice. If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, talk with your loved one’s clinician and consider a professional driving evaluation.
Quick answers you can save
If your parent refuses to stop driving, start here:
- Watch for warning signs, and write down what you see.
- Bring the doctor into it (many families need a third voice).
- Offer a transportation plan before you restrict driving.
- If safety is urgent, remove access to the car and move to formal steps.
- In Texas, you can submit concerns about a medically unsafe driver to the Texas DPS Medical Advisory Board process.
Signs driving may no longer be safe
The Alzheimer’s Association and NIA recommend paying attention to patterns, not one-off mistakes. Warning signs can include getting lost in familiar places, poor judgment, slower responses, confusion at intersections, or unexplained dents and scrapes.
A practical way to track this is the “three incident rule”:
- Any three concerning incidents in 30 days (getting lost, near-miss, ticket, wrong lane, etc.) means it’s time to act quickly.
Why reasoning often fails
Many people living with dementia experience reduced insight into their changes. So even a calm, logical explanation can feel like an accusation to them. This is one reason NIA recommends planning and taking steps early, before there’s a crisis.
Scripts that reduce conflict (and still move things forward)
You are not trying to “win” an argument. You’re trying to keep everyone safe.
Script 1: The “doctor’s request” approach
“Dad, your doctor wants you to take a break from driving until we get a quick check-in. Let’s do that first, and we’ll decide what happens next.”
This works because it shifts the conflict away from you and toward a neutral authority.
Script 2: The “safety upgrade” approach
“Mom, I know driving matters to you. I’m not saying you’re a bad driver. I’m saying the stakes are too high if something goes wrong. Let’s set up rides for the next few weeks and see how it feels.”
Script 3: The “one job: protect you” approach
“I love you too much to gamble with your safety. My job is to protect you. We’re going to make sure you still get everywhere you need to go.”
Script 4: The “car is unavailable” approach (when you must act)
“The car isn’t available right now. I’ll drive you, and we’ll handle errands together.”
If they escalate, aim for calm repetition. Long explanations often backfire.
Step-by-step plan when they will not stop
Step 1: Make a transportation plan first
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends offering safe alternatives, especially if you take away keys or disable the vehicle.
Examples:
- A simple weekly schedule (groceries, church, haircuts, appointments)
- One or two “go-to” drivers (family, friend, neighbor)
- Rideshare only if your loved one can use it safely, with oversight
Step 2: Get the clinician involved
Ask the clinician to document cognitive and functional concerns and to speak directly about driving risk. NIA specifically recommends involving a doctor when safety becomes a concern.
Step 3: Consider a formal driving evaluation
A professional driving assessment can help confirm risk and give you a clearer recommendation. Some families need this to reduce conflict and guilt.
Step 4: Reduce access (if risk is rising)
The Alzheimer’s Association notes that as a last resort, families may need to take away keys, disable the car, or sell it, while ensuring alternative transportation.
Common options families use:
- Keys moved out of sight
- Car parked elsewhere
- Battery disconnected (only if safe and appropriate in your context)
- “Lost keys” explanation rather than confrontation
Step 5: Use Texas DPS processes if needed
Texas has a Medical Advisory Board process tied to driver licensing. DPS explains that drivers can be referred for medical review in several ways, including reports from law enforcement or physicians.
Texas DPS also states that any individual may submit concerns in writing about a driver who may have a medical condition affecting safe driving, and you should focus on factual details.
When it’s an emergency
Call 911 if:
- They drive while confused or disoriented
- They threaten to drive and you cannot safely prevent it
- There’s an immediate safety risk to them or others
Local note for Round Rock and North Austin families
This is one of the most stressful transitions in dementia care. Many families need both practical strategy and emotional support. Local caregiver groups can help you feel less alone while you navigate hard conversations.
How Sundara can help
If you’re in Round Rock or North Austin and you’re dealing with unsafe driving, Sundara can talk it through with you and answer questions clearly, without pressure. Our owners have personal experience with loved ones living with dementia, and they can help you think through the process from start to finish, including safety planning, support options, and next steps. Click here to schedule a time to talk.