According to the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46.3 million drivers over 65 were licensed in 2019. With more people living longer, the number of elderly drivers has increased by 37% between 2010 and 2019. AAA predicts that there will be over 70 million seniors by 2030. 85%-90% will drive.
AAA states that older drivers are the safest on the roads. They tend to wear their seatbelts and observe speed limits. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers are more vulnerable due to their age.
There are many ways to increase safety for older drivers or caregivers. Here are some tips to help you recognize when it is time to hand over the keys.
How seniors can stay safe on the road
Senior drivers have options to increase their safety on the roads. These tips are provided by the CDC:
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Avoid distractions like eating, listening to a loud radio, or using your phone in the car
- Talk to your doctor about any medication or medical concerns that could affect your driving ability.
- When possible, drive during daylight hours and in good weather
- You should look for safer routes that offer easy parking and streets well-lit.
- Get your eyes examined by an eye doctor at the very least once per year
- You should leave enough distance between you and the car in front.
- Do not drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications
- Before you start driving, plan your route.
AAA and AARP have pages that provide more information on safe driving for seniors.
What is the best time for seniors to stop driving?
It may be time for older drivers to give up their keys. Seniors and caregivers may be able to identify signs that a shift is necessary.
What are some warning signs for senior drivers?
- Safe driving can be hindered by the physical effects of aging. Older drivers can be affected by vision problems, hearing loss, restricted movement, illness, and medication.
- These warning signs are listed by the NHTSA for seniors and caregivers to be aware of:
- Accelerating abruptly without reason
- After missing an exit or turning, back up
- Stopping abruptly or stopping abruptly, even if there is no reason
- Moving traffic: A near stop
- Problems processing multiple stimuli or reacting quickly
- Dodging into other lanes
- You should not drive slower than the posted speed limit, or the general speed of all other vehicles.
- Even in familiar areas, it is easy to get lost or disoriented.
- Traffic confusion growing
- Driving can cause higher levels of anxiety
- Missing or disregarding traffic signals and stop signs
- Increased dents and scrapes on their cars or objects they park on, like curbs and garage doors.
- An increasing number of near-miss and close-call incidents
- Making sudden lane changes
- Neglecting turn signals, or forgetting turn signals off
- While driving, simultaneously press the accelerator and brake pedals
- Probleme with neck or back flexibility, turning to see traffic around the car or dangers around it.
- In the last two years, more than one traffic ticket or warning was issued
- Straddling lanes
Having trouble seeing pedestrians, objects, and other vehicles?
How to have the talk about driving with your parents
Driving is not always easy. Seniors can take a course in senior driving to enhance or refresh their skills.
Caregivers should not be concerned about seniors’ diving abilities if they want to have a conversation. Seniors should understand that this conversation is not about their age. You can help seniors understand their feelings and be there for them, no matter if they are angry, defensive, hurt, or withdrawing.
These are the steps that NHTSA recommends:
Collect information. Notify the driver of any concerns, such as those mentioned above.
Make a plan. Discuss your concerns with the driver. Help them to identify safer driving strategies and show them how they can access and use other transportation options.
Make sure you follow through with the plan. This is for their safety and that of other drivers.
Seniors who might need to stop driving should be aware of alternative transportation options, including call ride, community transportation, and ride-share.
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