Intervention programs ensuring mobility and social functions may be needed to mitigate the potential adverse effects of driving cessation on health and well‐being in older adults. Keywords: driving cessation, older adults, motor vehicle, health outcomes
The association between driving cessation and poor physical functioning was strong in longitudinal studies even after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and baseline health.
This is a 60% increase since 2000. 1 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, there are steps that older adults can take to stay safer on the roads.
Facts About Older Drivers One in five drivers in the United States is 65 years or older. Older adults are more than twice as likely to report having a medical problem that makes it difficult to drive, compared with people aged 24-64. Four in five older adults take one or more medicines daily.
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.
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 ...
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. 2 This means that each day, more than 20 older adults are killed and almost 700 are injured in crashes.
Additional steps to stay safe on the road 1 Download and use CDC’s MyMobility Plan to make a plan to stay mobile and independent as you age. 2 Follow a regular activity program to increase strength and flexibility. 3 Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines–both prescription and over-the counter–to reduce side effects and interactions. Read the Are Your Medicines Increasing Your Risk of a Fall or a Car Crash fact sheet to learn more about the medicines that might have side effects associated with falls and motor vehicle crashes. 4 Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required. 5 Drive during daylight and in good weather. 6 Plan your route before you drive. 7 Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left-turn signals, and easy parking. 8 Leave a large following distance between your car and the car in front of you. 9 Avoid distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio, talking or texting on your phone, and eating. 10 Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend, ride share services, or using public transit.
Avoid distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio, talking or texting on your phone, and eating. Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend, ride share services, or using public transit.
Seat belt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. 6. Drive when conditions are safest. Conditions such as poor weather 7 and driving at night 8 increase the likelihood of crash injuries and deaths. Don’t drink and drive.
In general, older adults engage in safer driving behaviors than other age groups, including more often wearing seat belts, driving when conditions are safest, and not drinking and driving. Taking these key steps can help adults of all ages, including older adults, stay safe on the road: