Safe Driving Tips for Older Adults
Addressing issues early helps seniors stay safe on the road
Addressing issues early helps seniors stay safe on the road
Driving is very important for many older adults. It provides them with independence, freedom and convenience.
However, safety should always take priority, especially if your health or abilities are affected. As we age, different factors can raise the risk of accidents. Older adults may have slower reflexes or poorer vision. These issues can affect their safety on the road.
Seniors should regularly assess their physical and mental abilities to make sure they can drive safely. Addressing any driving issues early can help prevent accidents. Maintaining good vision, managing medication side effects and staying physically active are essential for safe driving.
Older drivers should know when it is time to limit or stop driving. Family and friends can help with this choice. However, starting the conversation can be hard.
“I can tell you what not to do,” says Jihad Jaffer, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist a Scripps. “Don’t jump to conclusions and turn ‘the talk’ into taking the keys away immediately.”
Make a doctor’s appointment
Talking to your doctor about your driving skills is important as you age. Your doctor can help you understand your physical and mental abilities.
A physical exam can find health issues that affect an older adult's driving. Your doctor can help you manage these problems.
Undergo a driving evaluation
Seniors can assess their driving skills through a clinical exam and on-the-road test. Ask your doctor for a referral to the Scripps Driving Program for an evaluation.
The driving program at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas helps senior drivers with age-related conditions, assessing safety through evaluations and tests.
Safety tips for older drivers
Senior drivers can feel confident and safe on the road in many ways. Here are some safety tips to consider from the National Institute on Aging.
1. Maintain good vision for safe driving
Regular eye exams and the right eyewear are important for safe driving. Eye exams help find vision problems early.
You can improve night visibility with anti-reflective coatings. These coatings reduce glare from headlights and streetlights. They enhance clarity and visibility in low light. Also, check that your vehicle lights are working and used correctly.
2. Manage medication side effects
Seniors should talk to their doctors about the side effects of their medications. This can help keep driving safe. Check how you feel before driving. If you feel dizzy or sleepy, consider using other transportation until you feel better.
3. Plan ahead, make adjustments
Planning routes, allowing extra time, and being flexible can improve safety and make driving more relaxed. Regularly check for safer options.
- Select familiar, low-traffic routes and use GPS for safe, confident navigation.
- Driving during off-peak hours and in good weather reduces stress and accident risks.
- Keep a safe distance from other cars.
- Stay alert while driving.
- Reduce distractions for a safe drive.
4. Maintaining a safe vehicle
Regular vehicle maintenance and safety feature upgrades are important for staying safe on the road.
AARP credits several technology upgrades for helping to reduce crashes among older drivers, including:
- Rearview cameras to help seeing while backing up
- Automatic emergency braking systems
- Collision warning systems
- Blind spot and lane-departure warning systems to avoid crashes while changing lanes
Keep your car clean, especially the windows and mirrors. This helps improve visibility and makes it easier to navigate the road.
5. Recognizing warning signs
Reevaluate your driving if you have close calls, get lost, or notice changes in your skills. If you feel nervous about driving, it may be time to make a change.
Driving should not be stressful or scary. If it is, consider driving less often. This can help you get used to new routines.
Talk with loved ones about your driving plans. These talks can make the change easier when needed.
How can family and friends help?
If you notice an older relative or friend struggling with driving, discuss your concerns for their safety and the safety of others.
Consider taking a ride with them to see how they drive. Look for these warning signs:
- Forgetting to buckle up
- Disobeying stop signs or traffic lights
- Driving too slowly or too quickly
- Getting lost in familiar areas
- Reacting slowly to driving situations
- Being honked at or passed often
If you see any of these signs, have a heart-to-heart talk with your loved one. Show your support by helping them find safe ways to get around town, whether they use their car or not.
Set up a driving safety plan
Help your loved one keep their independence by creating a driving plan. This can include driving only on familiar streets or limiting driving during rush hours, rain, snow or fog.
AARP offers online driver safety courses tailored for older adults. Participation may qualify you for a car insurance discount.
Be prepared for the conversation
At some point, your loved one may need to stop driving. If you need help starting that conversation, keep in mind certain health professionals and specialists are trained to discuss sensitive topics with older adults, including the decision to limit or stop driving due to health concerns or safety issues.
For additional guidance, AARP offers an online seminar called We Need to Talk, which provides tips on how to approach this important discussion.
“Don’t wait until your loved one is in an accident,” says Dr. Jaffer. “If you’re on the fence about discussing driving safety with loved ones because you don’t want to hurt their feelings but fear they might hurt themselves or others on the road, then it’s a good time to go through these steps.”
Be prepared to find alternative transportation options
AARP recommends gradually adopting alternative transportation and offers workshops on using ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
Consider making a list of friends, family, neighbors or volunteer groups who can give rides. You might also take a bus or train ride with your loved one. This can help them feel more comfortable using public transportation.
In San Diego, the county’s Senior Transportation Program provides transportation for older adults living in specific areas at no cost