By Caroline Bridgeman, Occupational Therapist, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of GreenvilleWe all remember the feeling of freedom when we first learned to drive and the excitement of being able to navigate the world on our own.Much less talked about feelinghow do we stay safe on the road as we age? What factors increase crash risk? When is it time to hang up the keys? How do I navigate this transition?As our population ages, the number of older drivers on the road continues to grow.According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers over the age of 65 accounted for almost 52 million drivers in 2022.
Research shows that for drivers over the age of 70, crash-related fatalities are higher than middle-aged adults (CDC).Driving is one of the most complex tasks that we can perform and impacts everyone on the road.It requires precise integration and coordination of motor skills, sensation skills, and various thinking skills.Driving requires you to quickly navigate ever-changing traffic, adapt to weather/lighting conditions, respond to road construction or detours, and any distractions from passengers in your car.Normal age-related changes in vision, muscle strength, and thinking skills can impact your safety behind the wheel.
Chronic conditions, such as neuropathy, Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, glaucoma/macular degeneration, among others can affect the skills needed for driving a vehicle.Even having a history of falls puts you at a 40% higher risk for having a crash according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).There are steps to help make sure that you are staying safe and smart while behind the wheel.Ensuring that you have eye exams at least once a year is an easy place to start.
Additionally, addressing concerns with driving with your doctor at your annual checkup and being honest about any issues that might impact the skills for driving.This is also a good time to review medications as some can impact your driving skills.Your doctor can also recommend a referral for a driving evaluation.
A CDRS (Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist) or a DRP (Driving Rehabilitation Professional) can assess all factors necessary for driving, including performing a behind the wheel assessment to make recommendations regarding driving ability.These individuals can also help tackle the hard discussions needed in case of driving retirement.Other strategies to help keep you safe include planning your route and distance traveled.Avoid peak traffic hours and plan out areas to rest if it is a longer drive.
Check weather conditions to ensure that factors such as rain, glare from the sun, nighttime conditions, or snow/ice wont impede your ability to see the environment.Limiting distractions in the car and ensuring adequate rest before a trip also help enhance safety.And of course, wear your seat belt.Ultimately, decisions about driving should be made with the input of your support systemboth loved ones and medical professionals.
Honest and open conversation, as well as planning for future driving retirement, helps keep everyone safe on the roads.Citations:American Automobile Association (AAA).(2016, March).Associations Between Falls and Driving Outcomes in Older Adults: A LongROAD Study.
Associations Between Falls and Driving Outcomes in Older Adults: A LongROAD StudyAAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).(2026, January 28).Older Adult Drivers.
CDC Website.Older Adult Drivers | CDC.
Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by Senior Savings Deals.
Publisher: Life Plan Community ( Read More )
Publisher: Life Plan Community ( Read More )
