Should aunt give up driving?

We are concerned about our aunt who is 80 years old. She drives a small car every day (short distances) but recently had a accident where she drove into her gate post. Last month she had her cataracts done in one eye and says that although she can see better than before she has trouble reading a number plate from 6 metres away. We are concerned but dont know how to deal with the issue. She is a very proud lady & will not want to listen to our point of view. Please can anyone who's been through the same problem with an elderly relative give us some advice.
Additional Details
If we speak to her doctor, will she find out we have done so?

BARRY B

I think the overriding issue here is her safety and the safety of others.
You have to be cruel to be kind. If the lady takes offence as a result of your reasoning, so be it. You will have done the right thing, and your conscience will be clear.

Radiner

Well, safety for every one is the biggest issue here. If she need some thing, you could drive here there, so she don't have to. I have my grandma that is 78 years old and want to drive, we didn't let her because of the safeness, therefore we drive her to wherever she want to be. Same thing in this situation, safety is more important than driving.

J G

She's committing an offence if she's driving with eyesight that poor. I would either speak to her or her GP. She may be proud & independent, but if it's a choice between losing her licence & losing her life, it's a no brainer.
What if the gate post had been a child walking from school?
People who regularly drive short distances are always the worst - familiarity breeds contempt, and a lot of elderly drivers 'pop to the shop' on autopilot. Do something about this NOW unless your conscience will let you live with the possible consequences of doing nothing.

Amber

I know in some places, once you reach a certain age, you need to take a driving test every 2 years to keep your license due to pretty much these reasons. If she can't see well over long distances, then she's a danger to everyone else on the road. Pride is one thing, but reckless endangerment shouldn't be tolerated.

entidtil

See if you can get her physician involved. Perhaps he could write a letter advising the licensing authorities that her eyesight makes it dangerous for her to continue driving

WelshLad

The law states you must read a number plate 20.5 metres away.

big owl

Talk to her if she wont see reason ,then hide her keys

dieterzakas

You should talk to her physician for everyone's sake.

Because your octogenarian aunt has admitted to difficulty seeing, even after surgery to help her vision, and has collided with a gate post, a call to the police to tail her to witness anything "issues" she may exhibit will definitely deal with her infirmity(ies).

I agree: it's necessary to be cruel to be kind.

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