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Have you ever heard of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week? Since it’s tucked between two major holidays, many of us overlook this important time. Scheduled for the first full week of December, Older Driver Safety Awareness Week falls on December 7-11 in 2020.
Established by the American Occupational Therapy Association, this is an opportunity for us to talk with our aging loved ones about driver safety. Many older adults can safely drive well into their 70s, 80s, or even longer. However, a variety of issues common to aging can impair a person’s ability to drive safely:
1. Medical conditions
Examples include arthritis that affects mobility, unstable diabetes, or neurological conditions that result in slower reflexes. Discussions about how these conditions affect driving should be a part of routine physician visits.
2. Cognitive impairments
The onset of dementia may cause impairments in memory, decision-making, or concentration to the point where driving becomes unsafe. Many people with dementia don’t recognize the onset of these problems. A formal driving evaluation may become necessary.
3. Medication side effects
Some medications may cause drowsiness, slowed reaction times, or dizziness that become safety risks behind the wheel. A physician or pharmacist can provide education on potential side effects and safe alternatives.
4. Impaired vision or hearing
Eye conditions common with aging, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, can sneak up on a person. That’s why regular professional vision exams are crucial to safe driving.
Regular hearing exams also become important as one grows older. Hearing loss can cause a person to overlook horns, sirens, or mechanical problems with their vehicle.
Out of embarrassment or fear, your loved one might hesitate to let you know when they’re having trouble driving. That’s why it’s important to stay alert for red flags that may include:
- Unusual dents or scratches on their vehicle
- Reports of fender benders
- Getting lost while driving, especially in familiar locations
- Difficulty reading road signs
- Safety issues observed when you ride along with your loved one
- Concerns expressed by their friends
- Difficulty driving at night
Talking with an older adult about their driving skills can feel very uncomfortable. But you can’t ignore the problem. Keep in mind that the life and safety of your loved one—and that of strangers—might be at risk.
If you’re unsure what to do or how to broach the subject, lots of community resources are available. These include:
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Family physician
- Law enforcement officer
- Elder law attorney
- Occupational therapist
Driving is an enormous source of pride and independence. So, the thought of giving up driving becomes traumatic for many elders.
That’s why it’s crucial to help your loved one explore other options to meet their transportation needs. You might consider:
1. Senior ride services
Most communities provide rides for seniors to medical appointments, grocery stores, and even social events at a low cost. While an older adult might balk at the need to pay for these services, you can help them compare the cost of using ride services versus owning and maintaining a vehicle.
2. Adaptive driving equipment
An occupational therapist can recommend equipment to make driving easier. This may include pedal extenders, larger mirrors, or seat belt extenders.
3. Family and friends
When you put the word out there that your loved one needs help with transportation, it will probably surprise you to learn how many people are willing to assist. You might also set up a schedule among family members so one person doesn’t feel burdened by providing rides all the time.
4. Limited driving
Your loved one may not need to give up driving altogether. Perhaps they can still drive during daylight hours or only in familiar locations.
5. Safe driving classes
A variety of organizations offer driver safety classes for older adults. These classes update participants on current rules of the road, and they also teach accident prevention techniques. Check with AAA, AARP, or local community education services for more information.
6. Delivery services
You can get almost anything delivered these days. This includes groceries, medications, and household products from big box stores. And don’t forget about Meals on Wheels for elders who qualify.
7. Public transportation
If an older adult hasn’t used public transportation in a while, you may wish to go along the first time or two. An elder may find it intimidating to schedule services like Uber or Lyft, so you’ll want to help them feel comfortable with newer technologies.
Have you gone through this experience with an older loved one? Please share your tips in the comment section.
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