December 2024
Are you an older driver? If not, you probably know one — a parent, grandparent or neighbor down the street. Between 2013 and 2022, the U.S. population of people 65 and older increased by 30%, and in 2022 the number of people 65 and older killed in traffic crashes made up 19% of all traffic fatalities. During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 2–6, 2024), we remind you that simply getting older doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up your keys, but you should evaluate how you — or loved ones — drive.
How Aging Can Affect Driving
Medical Conditions
As people age, it’s important to monitor changes in overall health as it relates to driving. While some drivers can safely drive into their nineties, for others medical conditions, problems with eyesight, sleep, tremors, or memory can make driving more difficult and dangerous.
Ask yourself, or the older driver in your life:
- Can you remember the routes you often drive?
- Do traffic signs and signals, or other drivers make you feel overwhelmed while driving?
- Have you recently received a ticket or citation for a driving violation, or been in a minor crash?
Medications
Many older people take multiple medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Unfortunately, some of these drugs or a combination of drugs can impair judgment or affect reflexes or the alertness necessary for safe driving. An older driver’s primary care provider or pharmacist can help determine if an older driver’s medications can affect their driving.
Older Drivers and Vehicles
Adapted Vehicles
Many vehicles can be modified to accommodate an older driver’s specific needs by adding adaptive equipment. This equipment can be as simple as a swivel seat for more convenient access, a hand control to make it easier to operate a vehicle, or a pedal extender. Make sure to ask a qualified mobility dealer for training on how to use the equipment.
Driver Assistance Technologies
Each year, vehicle manufacturers release new and improved driver assistance technologies to help keep road users safer. The technologies include everything from automatic emergency braking to blind spot intervention and lane keeping assistance. Driver assistance technologies aren’t just about keeping drivers safe; they also keep pedestrians and other road users safe.
Staying Physically Active
Staying physically active enhances your balance and flexibility. Additionally, physical activity can improve your safety while driving as well because it’s easier for you to turn the steering wheel, change lanes, and perform other movements while driving. Not to mention, your reaction time is also improved with fitness.
Look for opportunities to be physically active daily. Walking is a great choice for many seniors as it is low impact and requires no special equipment.
Get Your Vision and Hearing Checked Regularly
As you age, your hearing and vision tend to become less acute. Impaired hearing can be a concern for older drivers because it may limit the ability to hear emergency vehicles. Other common conditions like cataracts or glaucoma can affect your vision.
Ask your doctor about how often you should schedule hearing and vision tests to stay safe behind the wheel. The earlier you catch a problem, the more likely you are to be able to fix it.
Manage Medications
There are many prescription drugs that affect your ability to drive safely. Be sure to read your medications carefully and know what to expect when you take them.
Be sure to avoid driving if you have taken medication that can cause drowsiness or dizziness until you know how it will affect you.
Accept Your Limitations
When it comes to driving, you should take your physical limitations into consideration. If your hands hurt while gripping the wheel, try using a wheel cover that will make holding the wheel more comfortable. Also, be sure to pick a car that has easy-to-read dials on the dashboard.
Drive Under Ideal Circumstances
This means both the weather and yourself should be in good condition while driving. In addition to driving during the day in good weather, be sure not to drive angry, tired, or when you are in pain.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances, even if they are prescribed for medical use.
Limit Distractions While Driving
Being distracted while driving is a common cause of accidents. Be sure to focus on the road when behind the wheel. This might mean stashing your cellphone somewhere where it won’t interfere with your driving.
Don’t do anything that removes your attention from the road while driving.
Keep Your Skills Sharp
If you think your skills may be getting dull, consider taking a refresher course for older drivers. Going through these steps may even earn you a discount on your insurance.
If you have become confused while behind the wheel, or others have expressed concern about your driving, it may be time to stop. It’s not just about keeping yourself safe, but also the safety of others on the road.
Know your abilities and your limitations! Have a safe and blessed holiday season!!