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The Pinecone | October 2015 • 5 •
AGE & DRIVING
Keeping the Keys
Safety Tips and Warning
Signs for Older Drivers
It’s normal for our driving abilities to
change as we age. By reducing risk
factors and incorporating safe driving
practices, many of us can continue
driving safely long into our senior years.
But we do have to pay attention to any
warning signs that age is interferingwith
our driving safety and make appropriate
adjustments. Even if you find that you
need to reduce your driving or give up
the keys, it doesn’t mean the end of
your independence. Seeking alternative
methods of transportation can offer
health and social benefits, as well as a
welcome change of pace to life.
#1: Understand how aging affects driving
Everyone ages differently, so there is no arbitrary cutoff as to when someone should stop driving. However, older adults are
more likely to receive traffic citations and get into accidents than younger drivers. In fact, fatal crash rates rise sharply after a
driver has reached the age of 70. What causes this increase? As we age, factors such as decreased vision, impaired hearing, or
slowed motor reflexes may become a problem. You may have a chronic condition that gradually worsens with time, or you may
have to adjust to a sudden change, such as a stroke.
You may have driven your entire life and take great pride in your safety record, but as you age, it is critical that you realize your
driving ability can change. To continue driving safely, you need to recognize that changes can happen, get help when they do,
and be willing to listen if others voice concerns.
#2: Tips for safe senior driving
Aging does not automatically equal total loss of driving ability. There are many things you can do to continue driving safely,
including modifying your car, the way you drive, and understanding and rectifying physical issues that may interfere with
driving. 1) Drive defensively 2) Know your limitations 3) Listen to the concerns of others
#3: Benefits of not driving
Adjusting to life without a car may be challenging at first; most likely, you’ve been
driving your whole life and it feels like quite a shock. It’s normal to be frustrated, angry,
or irritable. You might even feel ashamed or worry that you are losing your independence.
However, it takes a lot of courage to stop driving and put the safety of yourself and others
first. You may also find there are many benefits to living without a car that you may not
have considered.
Resources:
Written by Melanie Morton. Adapted from:
driving-safety-tips.htm. - Interactive driving evaluations and other tools
for senior drivers, as well as information on licensing laws in different states of the U.S. (AAA).
- A driving self-awareness quiz. Helps the senior to
pinpoint areas of driving weakness, then to remediate them. Answer the quiz and get a
customized set of tips for driving safely. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety). http://
- Includes myths
about aging and driving, steps to being a safer driver, and driving skills assessment
tools. (The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence)