The aging of the U.S. population has created an important public health issue: safety and the older driver. Nearly half of all drivers today are older than 65 years, a proportion expected to increase significantly.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this apparent problem, as some elderly drivers are truly cautious and aware of the potential danger they may present to other drivers on the road.
Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. But the risk of being injured or killed in a traffic crash increases as people age. Thankfully, older adults can take steps to stay safe on the roads.
Steps That Older Adults Can Take to Stay Safe on the Road. Always wear your seat belt and never drive impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medicines. Discuss any medical issues with your doctor to determine if they might affect your driving.
In 2018, almost 7,700 older adults (aged 65+) were killed in traffic crashes, and more than 250,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries. This means that each day, more than 20 older adults are killed, and almost 700 are injured in crashes.
Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend, using public transit, or using ride share services.
Four in five older adults take one or more medicines daily. Physical changes that occur with age can change the way the body reacts to medicines, causing more side effects and affecting ...
Older drivers often require referral to an ophthalmologist for comprehensive testing if visual issues related to driving are present.
Most states require 20/40 visual acuity in at least one eye for unrestricted licensing (glasses or contacts are allowed).
Medical conditions (including use of drugs needed to treat them) that can impact cognitive function include. Neurologic disorders (eg, stroke, Parkinson disease, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease and related dementias) The incidence of cognitive impairment increases in people ≥ 65.
The incidence of cognitive impairment increases in people ≥ 65. People with cognitive impairment often do not recognize their limitations, do not modify or restrict their driving, and are at higher risk of MVCs; risk increases with severity of impairment. Those with insight into their cognitive limitations often modify their driving to better accommodate their limitations (eg, driving in familiar areas, at less busy times of the day, during daytime hours), resulting in safer driving. Although no one test has been found to completely and accurately predict driving safety, some screening tests are able to provide some level of predictability regarding the potential for impaired driving performance in older adults and can be used to determine who may need to be referred to a driving rehabilitation specialist. These tests include the following:
Strength can be assessed by muscle strength testing on physical examination; decreased lower extremity strength on the right side has the potential to impair ability to operate foot controls and react quickly to driving situations.
The Trail-Making Test ( Parts A and B ): These tests assess attention and visual scanning. Part A is easier and should always be given prior to part B. Part B is more challenging and assesses alternating attention and executive function. Drivers with an abnormal score on Part B (eg, > 180 seconds) may be candidates for more specialized testing by a driving rehabilitation specialist.
Older adults should have ≥ 30° of lateral rotation to each side; if range of motion is less, they can be referred to a physical therapist to improve range of motion or to a driving rehabilitation specialist for installation of larger, wide-angle mirrors in the vehicle.
1. An office-based assessment of medical fitness to drive. This assessment is outlined in the algorithm, Physician’s Plan for Older Drivers’ Safety (PPODS)
Adult and Teen Driving School Certified by the State of Michigan DriveWell Michiganis a community based driver rehabilitation agency serving Southwest Michigan. Individuals who are experiencing difficulties with driving, or are currently unable to drive, are appropriate for this program.
Physicians should work with their State medical societies to create statutes that uphold the best interests of patients and community, and that safeguard physicians from liability when reporting in good faith.
Driving helps older adults stay mobile and independent. But the risk of being injured or killed in a traffic crash increases as people age. Thankfully, older adults can take steps to stay safe on the roads.
Steps That Older Adults Can Take to Stay Safe on the Road. Always wear your seat belt and never drive impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medicines. Discuss any medical issues with your doctor to determine if they might affect your driving.
In 2018, almost 7,700 older adults (aged 65+) were killed in traffic crashes, and more than 250,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries. This means that each day, more than 20 older adults are killed, and almost 700 are injured in crashes.
Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend, using public transit, or using ride share services.
Four in five older adults take one or more medicines daily. Physical changes that occur with age can change the way the body reacts to medicines, causing more side effects and affecting ...