Driving Safety for Older Adults

For most Americans, the automobile represents independence, control and mobility. We couldn't wait to get our first drivers license and be handed the keys to the family car when we were teenagers...and we'd like to keep driving as long as possible.

However, some of the normal changes of aging can make driving more challenging. Impediments to safe driving include hearing loss, vision problems, decreased reaction time, memory loss and lessened manual dexterity. In addition, the loss of depth perception and peripheral vision may narrow the margin of safety on crowded roads and highways.

Older adults should periodically assess their driving abilities, both to increase safety and to honestly judge whether they are still safe behind the wheel.

Making Changes for Safer Driving

Here are ten good ways to improve driving skills and extend safe driving capability:

Take a refresher driving course for seniors. Classes on defensive driving for older drivers focus on specific strategies for dealing with the impact of the aging process on driving. (See the resources at the end of this article for some useful information and class listings.)

When filling any prescriptions, ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medications have any potential side effects that could hinder your ability to drive.

Have regular eye examinations, and keep your glasses prescription current.

Make sure your car is in good working condition. Have it checked for mechanical problems and other defects. Watch for carpet and pedal wear that could cause the accelerator or brake to stick, or a foot to slip.

Keep windows, mirrors, windshields, and wiper blades clean, as well as headlights, taillights and turn signals.

Have your tires regularly checked for low air pressure and excessive tread wear.

Make adaptive modifications to the vehicle itself for enhanced driving safety. For example: improved side and rear-view mirrors; a back-up warning buzzer; steering wheel grips; and pedal adjustments.

If the car is large and difficult to maneuver, consider trading it for a smaller car, which might be easier to handle and park.

To avoid the most challenging driving situations, investigate route and time of day adjustments. If night vision has diminished, scheduled car trips during daylight hours. Busy highways and rush hour traffic can be avoided with some advance planning and allowance for additional travel time. Boarding buses at Park and Ride lots can eliminate driving in the most congested areas.

Make sure that insurance is adequate and kept current.

Checklist for a Safe Car Trip

Whether you're going to the market or on a vacation trip, here are some things to consider before you turn the key:

Plan your route before you leave, and then stick to that route.

If you're uncomfortable driving at high speeds, avoid the freeway. Just allow more travel time for your trip.

Try to steer clear of rush hour traffic and congested routes.

Buckle up! Everyone in your car should wear a seatbelt. (Remember: airbags are supplements to seatbelts, not substitutes.)

Make yourself visible by turning on headlights in poor weather, even during daylight hours.

Always use turn signals to indicate your intentions. And be sure your signals stop blinking after you've turned. An unintentional signal could result in an accident.

Look in your mirrors frequently, and always use a head-check to your "blind spot" when changing lanes.

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Avoid distractions by keeping radio volume low and conversations to a minimum. And of course, even if your state allows cell phone use while driving—don't!

If you are feeling uneasy about your driving or the driving of a senior loved one, read on to learn about transportation alternatives in "Is It Time to Give Up the Car?"

For More Information About Safe Driving

Perform a self-assessment with the "Checklist for Older Drivers."

The American Society on Aging's DriveWell program includes the DriveWell Toolkit for on older driver safety and mobility.

The AARP Driver Safety webpage offers information on safe driving for older adults, and tells where you can take AARP Driver Safety classes in your area.

Sponsored by AARP and AAA, CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles "fit" them.


By Joyce Remy, Editor, and Dennis Kenny, Co-Author, Aging in Stride–Plan Ahead, Stay Connected, Keep Moving. Copyright, 2009.