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Founded by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December 6-12, 2009, aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe mobility and transportation for older adults and promote action to keep older adults mobile and active in their communities.
For more than 100 years, AAA has been an advocate for safer roads, vehicles and drivers. Through research, advocacy and education, AAA also works to keep seniors driving for as long as safely possible and mobile thereafter.
Many people don't know where to turn for help to address the safety and mobility challenges often facing older drivers and their families. AAA provides information that can be used to develop an action plan to help manage the inevitable consequences of aging and the effects of aging on driving ability.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of AAA's resources, including science-based tools and programs, to navigate the issues associated with senior safety and mobility.
Throughout Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, AAA will highlight different aspects of older driver safety. Dates and topics include:
 December 7: Family Conversations
December 8: Screening & Evaluation
December 9: Driving Equipment & Adaptations
 December 10: Taking Changes in Stride
December 11: Life after Driving
December 7: Family Conversations
For many seniors, conversations about continued safe driving can spark strong emotional reactions, such as concerns about personal independence and competence. Fortunately, these conversations also can mean opportunities for good communication and problem-solving.
Most people want to keep driving as long as possible. While experts agree that driving ability generally begins to deteriorate at age 55, not all drivers are the same. Some people can continue to drive safely well into old age. The earlier you discuss the inevitable consequences of aging with the senior in your life, the more likely you and your loved one can agree on the best plan of action.
Decisions about when independent driving may no longer be a safe option often involve many people. To overcome resistance, consider discussing the issue with the driver's spouse, other family members and health care professionals such as a doctor or driver rehabilitation specialist. Having another credible voice may help in discussing these issues. AAA has tips on communicating about this sensitive topic.
December 8: Screening & Evaluation
Driving is a highly complex activity that requires certain physical, visual and cognitive abilities. As people age, those abilities often change in subtle ways. Most of us go to the doctor for regular physical check-ups. It's just as important to get a check-up for driving fitness.
Ideally, an older driver should assess his or her own performance. A crucial first step in owning up to behind-the-wheel safety. Self-assessment prompts the driver not only to recognize and correct possible shortcomings, but plan ahead for inevitable effects of aging.
Many driving fitness evaluations are paper- and computer-based self-assessment tools. These can be useful educational tools to help identify potential challenges to your driving health. However, if you're concerned about results of these self-assessment tools, you might consider a more formal and comprehensive clinic- and road-based assessment program, such as one provided by an occupational therapy driving rehabilitation specialist.
December 9: Driving Equipment & Adaptations
Our ability to drive encompasses our knowledge and experience, along with visual, physical and mental capabilities. While our knowledge and experience continue to expand over time, we may need to adapt to age-related changes in our vision, physical health and mental capabilities to remain safe, responsible drivers.
There are multiple steps people can take to drive for as long as safely possible. These can range from the use of senior-friendly vehicle features to help them adjust to visual, physical and mental changes that come with age, to the installation of aftermarket adaptive driving equipment, with guidance from an occupational therapist.
Many senior drivers find participation in a CarFit check to be very helpful. This free, community-based activity is designed to improve the "fit" between mature drivers and their vehicles and includes actions they can take to enhance comfort and safety behind the wheel. CarFit participants receive specific, practical community resources to help them maintain and strengthen their wellness to extend their safe, independent driving years. Download the brochure or visit www.car-fit.org to register for an event today.
December 10: Taking Changes in Stride
Changes are a normal part of aging, and they occur at different times. To be knowledgeable and make wise choices about driving health, we must be attentive and know what to look for.
A driver's chronological age is not a good predictor of driving ability. What counts on the road is performance. Having a series of minor crashes or near misses, getting lost on familiar roads and being spoken to about your driving by police, family and friends are a few signs of diminished capacity for safe driving.
For many drivers, slower reaction times and poor vision can be addressed with help from a family doctor or certified driving rehabilitation specialist. Often, there are ways to help drivers compensate for these changes.
Driver improvement courses can help mature drivers become even safer behind the wheel. AAA's Safe Driving for Mature Operators is designed to positively affect driving behavior and help seniors learn about age-related physical changes that can impact their ability to drive safely. Along with tips on how to adjust to those changes, the course presents techniques mature operators can employ to better cope with today's driving environment and extend their safe-driving years.
December 11: Life after Driving
For most people, it's difficult to change from the convenience and independence of driving to relying on some other means to get around. When the time comes to limit or stop driving, people must make a decision: Find another way to get to the people they want to see and places they want to go, or stop going out.
While many older drivers prefer to ask family and friends to help them get around, alternative transportation options exist. Most communities around the country have choices ranging from public transportation to specialized programs for people who need para-transit and medical transport services. Some of these are paid services, while others are provided by volunteers.
Early planning is key. Finding out more about your community choices - even before you need them - can help keep you connected to your community and participating in activities that are important to you. |
