Driving often means independence for people, but senior drivers may experience challenges that could put them and others on the road at risk. These challenges could be due to changes in vision, medication side effects, or even the latest technology in the vehicle causing a distraction.
Senior Citizen Driving
There is no cutoff age for driving, so it’s hard to say when someone should stop for their well-being and safety. Some senior citizen driving statistics are worth knowing about because they show an increase in accidents for people over age 65.
According to the National Safety Council, “the number of motor vehicle deaths involving drivers and other road users age 65 and older increased 5% in 2022,” and, “Over the last decade, the number of deaths has increased 42%.” They also noted that during the same period, the number of older adults in the U.S. had increased by 29%, “resulting in a death rate per 100,000 population increase of 9.5%.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adult motor-vehicle deaths in 2022 included 441 non-traffic deaths, 1,789 pedestrian traffic deaths, 193 bicyclist deaths, and 1,980 vehicle occupant deaths.
If you are elderly and driving or have a loved one who is, there are some common issues to be aware of to ensure that someone is still physically capable of driving safely. The National Institute on Aging provides information about the following possible conditions that can effect seniors driving safely:
- Vision. Many eye diseases that occur later in life such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration that can have a detrimental effect on seeing clearly while driving. Some medications may also change vision. See a doctor for an eye test and get prescriptions updated.
- Hearing. It’s essential to be able to hear sirens or other cars honking while driving to be completely safe on the road. Routine hearing tests are recommended, and then heeding a doctor’s advice about any necessary hearing aids to improve hearing for driving.
- Stiffness. Arthritis is a well-known condition that can cause a person’s hands and feet to feel painful or stiff, which could impair driving. Simply aging can result in changes in reflexes and being able to turn your head or brake quickly. Parkinson’s disease, the after effects of a stroke, and other illnesses can have a detrimental affect on driving safely also. Always contact a healthcare provider to discuss any concerns that might be a hindrance to driving safely.
- Dementia. A person who has been diagnosed with dementia may forget where they are going or even how to get back home after they have gone out. In addition, this illness could change their ability to drive and remember the various rules of the road.
If you are the adult child of someone who is experiencing some of these health conditions and there are concerns about driving safely, check out these suggestions for a productive conversation about taking away the keys.
Technology and Senior Driving Safety
With self-driving cars today, it seems like technology could make driving safer for people of all ages, but it’s not that simple.
Features that might help older drivers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning systems
- Infrared night vision
- Parking aids
- Advanced headlighting systems
- Lane change crash warning systems
- Advanced communications systems
They also warn, “Some of these technologies might encourage older adults to continue driving well beyond when they would ordinarily cease operating vehicles, introducing other age-associated driving challenges. Such problems could make the technologies "bitter pills" that may afford some benefits but also could create some adverse side effects.”
Another issue is confusion with how technology works in a newer car with some of these features, which could create new problems for a driver leading to distraction on the road.
Homewatch CareGivers and Transportation Assistance
A client of Homewatch CareGivers can ask for transportation assistance that will allow them to continue to show up for important medical appointments, keep social engagements with friends, and have some freedom to continue being part of their community. Go to the website to find home care that can help get a ride when needed.
