Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

OLDER DRIVER SAFETY

OLDER DRIVER SAFETY

• Have they received a ticket for impaired driving? • Are they suffering from any illnesses that may affect driving skills? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, be prepared to take steps appropriate to the situation, which might include talking with your loved one about safe driving and/or ceasing driving. First, learn how to understand and influence older drivers, and consider printing and sharing these tips on talking about driving with an older driver. Also consider that a number of older people, when asked, would listen more to a health professional than their family. Determine which best fits your situation. Some of the changes you experience as you get older can affect your ability to drive safely. The good news is that people who keep track of changes in their eyesight, physical fitness, and reflexes may be able to adjust their driving habits so they stay safe on the road. The following questions will help you decide if physical changes have affected your driving skills. Helpful tips about coping with these changes are also provided so that you can remain a safe driver for as long as possible. How is your eyesight? Do you have trouble… • Reading signs easily? • Recognizing someone you know from across the street? • Seeing street markings, other cars, and people walking—especially at dawn, dusk and at night? • Handling headlight glare at night? If You’re an Older Driver: Assessing How Changes Can Affect Your Driving

If You’re a Family Caregiver: Considerations Before Talking to an Older Driver Getting older does not necessarily mean a person’s driving days are over. But it’s important to plan ahead and take steps to ensure the safety of your loved ones on the road. NHTSA offers free material to help you learn more about how to recognize and discuss changes in your older loved one’s driving. If they are no longer able to drive safely, you can guide them toward transportation options that meet their mobility needs. If you think you need to have a conversation with an older driver about his or her driving abilities, remember that many older drivers look at driving as a form of independence. Bringing up the subject of their driving abilities can make some drivers defensive. So be prepared with your observations and questions, and suggest alternative transportation options if necessary. Answering the following questions may help you decide if you need to initiate a conversation with an older driver about driving safely: • Are they getting lost on routes that should be familiar? • Have you noticed new dents or scratches to the vehicle? • Have they received a ticket for a driving violation? • Have they experienced a near-miss or crash recently? • Have they been advised to limit/stop driving due to a health reason? • Are they overwhelmed by road signs and markings while driving? • Are they taking any medication that might affect driving safely?

If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, you should…

• Make sure you always wear your glasses and that the prescription is current. • Keep your windshield, mirrors and headlights clean. • Make sure that your headlights are working and aimed correctly. • Sit high enough in your seat so you can see the road at least 10 feet in front of your vehicle. • If you are 60 or older, see an eye doctor every year. Do you have control of your vehicle? Loss of strength, coordination and flexibility can make it hard to control your vehicle. • Looking over your shoulder to change lanes? • Moving your foot from the gas to the brake pedal? Do you have trouble…

HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Turning the steering wheel? • Noticing stopped emergency vehicles? • Walking short distances?

• Going up or down stairs because you have pain in your knees, legs or ankles?

If you said “Yes” to any of these questions, you should…

• Check with your doctor about physical/occupational therapy, medicine, stretching exercises, or a walking or fitness program.

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