Tips for safe driving for older adults

Older adults may feel more independent and mobile when they can drive. Various factors can affect driving as people get older. However, there are steps a person can take to maintain safe driving in older age.

In 2022, there were around 52 million licensed drivers in the United States over the age of 65. This was an increase of 77% since 2004.

However, certain age-related changes may affect a person’s driving ability. Older adults may also be more likely to be injured or killed in a car accident.

That said, there are steps a person can take to be safer behind the wheel.

Certain changes that can occur with age may affect a person’s ability to drive safely. They may notice that over time, driving becomes more difficult for them and their loved ones.

Medical conditions, injuries, and other changes in health may also affect driving abilities.

Joints may stiffen and muscles may weaken as you age. Arthritis is also common in older adults and may affect their driving abilities.

These issues may make it more difficult for a person to turn their head, brake safely, or turn the steering wheel quickly. If arthritis, pain, or stiffness appears to be affecting their driving, they can speak with their healthcare professional.

If a person has leg issues, they may be able to fit their car with hand controls for the gas and brake pedals.

Vision may change with age. It may become more difficult to see objects, people, and movement outside a person’s direct line of sight. It may also take someone longer to recognize familiar places and read road signs.

The eyesight changes that occur due to getting older can also make sunlight feel blinding, and people may notice a glare from oncoming headlights or streetlights.

Eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, as well as some medications, can also affect vision.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that anyone over the age of 60 get a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years. Also, if a person requires glasses or contact lenses to see distances, they need to ensure their prescription is always up to date.

Medicare covers tests and treatments for glaucoma. It covers one screening every 12 months for people at high risk of developing glaucoma. Medicare will generally cover 80% of the costs of glaucoma treatment.

Medicare also covers basic cataract surgery, which includes removing the cataract and implanting a new lens. However, this still requires out-of-pocket costs.

Hearing can also change as a person ages. This can make it more difficult to hear horns, sirens, or sounds coming from their car. These sounds can warn a person when they need to pull over or when a mechanical issue develops with their car.

The NIA suggests that individuals get their hearing checked every 3 years after they turn 50, or more frequently if they regularly expose themselves to loud noises or are at risk of hearing loss.

Some medications can cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, which can make a person less alert than usual. This can make driving unsafe.

While some medications come with warnings about driving, others that do not may have negative effects. It is important to ask a doctor or pharmacist if any of a person’s medical conditions or medications may make it unsafe for them to drive.

Medicare Extra Help may be able to assist in paying the costs associated with Part D and prescription costs. Extra Help is a program for people with lower incomes and resources.

Reflexes and reaction times might slow with age. Stiffness in the joints and weakness in the muscles can also make it harder for a person to move quickly.

An individual may also experience loss of feeling or tingling in their fingers or feet, which may make it more difficult to steer or use the foot pedals.

Certain medical conditions may make driving unsafe. For example, the uncontrollable movements and loss of coordination associated with Parkinson’s disease may make it no longer safe. Likewise, movement limitations and loss of control of limbs due to stroke may also make it unsafe.

A person needs to speak with a healthcare professional about whether medical conditions may affect driving.

There are currently no standard measures to determine driving competency. This is especially true as licensing requirements vary across states.

However, primary care physicians can take steps to assess the fitness of older adults to drive. Family members should also be encouraged to accompany an older driver to help identify any potentially unsafe driving behaviors.

Everyone ages differently. This is part of why there is no set age when people need to stop driving. To help decide if that time is coming, ask yourself the following questions:

Several factors related to aging can affect a person’s driving and their ability to do so safely. These can include stiff joints and weak muscles, hearing and vision changes, and a general slowing of reflexes.

It is important to take measures to drive safely, such as always wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and planning the route.

If a person has any questions about their driving or medical conditions and medications that may affect their ability, they need to speak with a healthcare professional.