Older Adults and Driving

Parents of the baby boomers are getting older and older. We need to prepare for the future and the possibility of having to keep our parents safe by not allowing them to drive.

Being able to drive as you get older is a precious privilege. The ability to keep your independence and stay mobile is something that older adults do not want to loose. Driver’s over the age of 65 years most often travel alone in their own vehicles or with two or more occupants.

At some point safety becomes an issue. The crash rate of older drivers is in direct proportion to the increase of aging symptoms such as impaired vision, hearing loss, as well as impaired mobility and neurological functions. Medications and medial conditions also play an important role in determining safety of older drivers.

A full health assessment should be considered if recent driving history has any red flags such as recent accidents, near misses, traffic violations or getting lost. The doctor can assess levels of mental, motor and medical impairments. The doctor may need to change prescriptions or issue a new exercise program to assist in treatment of a current condition.

Driving also takes muscle strength and endurance plus a good range of motion. If you have a disability, poor range of motion or lack muscle strength you may want to consult with a driver rehabilitation specialist.

The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialist may be reached at 1-800-290-2344.

You may want to check into Driver Safety Programs. Most school corporations at some point throughout the year will offer classroom driver safety courses. AARP also offers an eight hour driver safety program in a classroom setting throughout the nation. You can contact them at 1-888-227-7669.

Older drivers can use some safety tips to help ensure the best possible driving record. They may want to avoid night driving, rush-hour driving, free-way driving or driving in dangerous conditions such as heavy rain or snow. Planning your trip out ahead of time is also helpful especially if planning a long trip.

Older drivers that cannot improve their skills should consider alternative methods of transportation such as public bus, car pooling, senior citizen shuttles or volunteer services.. Older drivers can limit some of the need to drive by utilizing home delivery when ever possible also.

It is very important to remember that giving up a freedom is a minor cost to pay compared to causing injury or death by an accident.