What this does
This guide helps you prepare for and navigate one of the hardest aging-related conversations: driving safety. It gives you a structured, respectful way to raise concerns, reduce defensiveness, and focus on safety—not control or punishment.
Why it's useful
Talking about driving often triggers fear, anger, and denial. Many families avoid it until there’s an accident or close call. This prompt helps you approach the conversation earlier, choose the right tone, and plan next steps—so you don’t turn a safety issue into a family rupture.
Use This Entire Prompt:
Before you use it, just remember:
Copy the entire prompt in italics below
Paste into Notepad, Word, Docs, or your favorite text editor
Personalize all [brackets]
Paste into ChatGPT, Gemini, or your favorite AI app
Run the prompt
Prompt
I want help planning a calm, productive conversation about driving safety with an older adult. Ask me questions one section at a time and wait for my response before continuing.
Start by asking about the situation:
- Age of the driver: [age]
- Relationship to me: [parent / spouse / other]
- Current driving habits (daily, short trips, night driving, highways): [details]
- Specific concerns I’ve noticed: [examples]
Next, ask about risk indicators:
- Recent accidents, tickets, or close calls
- Confusion, slow reactions, or getting lost
- Vision, hearing, or mobility issues
- Medication changes that may affect driving
Then help me plan the conversation by:
- Reframing the discussion around safety and independence
- Suggesting neutral, non-accusatory language
- Helping me avoid common phrases that escalate conflict
- Offering sample opening statements and responses
Next, help me explore alternatives and compromises:
- Driving evaluations
- Restricted driving (daytime, local only)
- Ride options (family, community programs, rideshare)
- Gradual transitions instead of sudden loss of keys
End by giving me a clear action plan that includes:
- When to have the conversation
- Who should be involved
- Warning signs that require immediate action
- How to follow up if the first conversation doesn’t go well
How this helps you
You’ll go into the conversation prepared instead of reactive. You’ll know what to say, what to avoid, and how to keep the focus on safety and dignity—reducing conflict while protecting the people you care about.
