I will never forget the day I took the keys from my dad as he was about to drive the car. And for the rest of his life, he didn’t forget it either. He was 73, which to most people is not that old but he had just been diagnosed with cancer and he had phlebitis in both legs yet he still wanted to drive. I lectured him about the safety habits, emphasized that his daughter (me) was an anti-drunk driving activist and how it would look if he crashed and injured or killed someone because he wasn’t driving safely. None of that worked so when he grabbed his keys, got in the car I was right behind him and got them out of his hand before he could start the car. I planned for him to get wherever he needed to go and when visiting took him everywhere. He still wasn’t happy and he never forgave me.

It was an incredibly tough decision but I had worked with a safety activist whose young daughter was killed by a 90-year-old driver and her story stayed with me. She told me that she and the neighbors had complained to the family of the older driver numerous times with no results. It wasn’t until the woman killed my friend’s daughter that the family finally took action. I didn’t want to be that family.

In 2023, there were 7,891 traffic fatalities involving drivers 65 and older, representing 19% of all traffic fatalities. The number of older drivers is growing faster than the population, with 59.2 million people aged 65 and older in the US in 2023 and a 41% increase in fatal crashes involving this group from 2014 to 2023.

Part of the problem is that senior drivers are extremely hesitant about discussing this issue with family, friends, or medical personnel. In fact, research shows that most don’t. According to the  AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the percentage of drivers who avoid this topic is 83 percent. Many people only take action after a crash occurs, which is far too late. If they had addressed the issue sooner, they might have prevented the crash from happening in the first place.

I understand that as we age, maintaining independence often includes continuing to drive. However, older drivers face unique challenges that can impact their safety on the road. Understanding these issues and implementing safety measures can help older adults remain confident and secure while driving.

Common Issues Faced by Older Drivers:

1. Declining Physical Abilities: Aging can lead to decreased vision, reduced reaction times, and diminished cognitive functions. These factors can affect an older driver’s ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

1. Medication Side Effects: Many older adults take medications that may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that impair driving.

1. Health Conditions: Chronic health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases can affect mobility and alertness, making it more challenging to drive safely.

1. Increased Risk of Crashes: Statistics show that older drivers are involved in more crashes per mile driven than middle-aged drivers. This highlights the need for proactive safety measures.

Essential Safety Tips for Older Drivers

To promote safe driving among older adults, consider these practical safety tips:

• Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule routine medical appointments to monitor vision, hearing, and overall health. Address any concerns with a healthcare provider.
• Vision and Hearing Tests: Regularly check eyesight and hearing to ensure they meet the requirements for safe driving.
• Medication Review: Consult with a doctor or pharmacist to understand how medications may affect driving abilities and adjust prescriptions if necessary.
• Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road by eliminating distractions such as mobile devices, loud music, and eating while driving.
• Limit Night Driving: If possible, avoid driving after dark when visibility is reduced.
• Choose Familiar Routes: Stick to well-known roads to reduce anxiety and enhance comfort while driving.
• Utilize Technology: Use GPS for navigation to help avoid getting lost and to find the safest routes.
• Plan for Weather Conditions: Be cautious during inclement weather. Postpone trips or use alternative transportation when conditions are poor.
• Take a Refresher Course: Enroll in a refresher driving course tailored for older adults to improve skills and knowledge of road rules.
• Know When to Stop Driving: Be honest about your driving abilities. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, consider exploring alternative transportation options.

Driving can be a vital part of maintaining independence for older adults. By recognizing the unique challenges, they face and implementing these safety tips, older drivers can continue to navigate the roads confidently and safely.

It is important that we encourage an open dialogue about driving concerns and actively seeking solutions will help ensure that older drivers remain an integral part of our communities.

You might wonder why this is now so important to me. It is because I am now that older driver who now follows these tips.

Candace Lighter, Founder
We Save Lives
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Author, “Giving Sorrow Words: How to Cope with Grief and Get On with Your Life”