Back to Archives

DRIVING SAFELY

By: Frank E. Fain PhD

“Driving is a key to independence from the moment we first get our license. Most of us want to hold onto that key as long as we safely can.”

Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully

Once we get our driver’s license most of us want to continue to drive as long as we can do so safely. As was covered in my last column, as we get older we may notice (or others may notice) that our driving abilities are declining. We need to address these deficiencies to maximize safety for others and ourselves.

What are the options available for maturing drivers who are concerned about their diving abilities? There is no “One size fits all” solution. While “giving up the car keys” may be the only answer in some cases, in many other cases ceasing to drive too early can cause a person’s overall health to decline prematurely and greatly impact one’s quality of live.

So what can one do to maintain maximum transportation independence safely as we mature?

A good first step is to discuss your driving with your doctor. Request him/her to evaluate the interactions and side effects of all medications you are taking to make sure they are not impacting your driving skills. Also request a physical exam to evaluate if your vision, hearing, strength, flexibility and reaction skills are adequate for driving.

One curse of maturing is our eyes lose the ability to process light which makes night vision worse and causes us to be more sensitivity to bright sunlight and glare. By age 65 we need three more times the amount to light than we did at age 20 in order to drive safely at night. Many people have maintained their driving independence by avoiding driving at down, dusk or at night. They also wear sunglasses while they drive during the day.

Another curse of aging is hearing loss. One third of adults over age 65 are hearing- impaired and may be unable to hear important clues when driving such as emergency sirens or other drivers honking their horn. To keep alert to these clues limit passenger conversation and background noises from the radio. If you wear a hearing aid you may find it beneficial not to open a window as many people have found the air drafts impair the aid’s effectiveness.

After your visit with the doctor and great second step is to refresh your knowledge of safe driving practices by taking a driver training course designed for mature drivers. The AARP Driver Safety Program is an excellent program that provides training for over 700,000 mature drivers each year. To find a class near you visit the AARP website or call toll-free 1-888-227-7669.

A third step to maintain your maximum transportation independence is to learn about transportation options in your community then try them out to see which option works for you. Often the Area Agency on Aging office can provide you with information on your community’s public and private transportation options.

Drive is not a privilege that anyone – teenager or mature adult - wants to relinquish willingly. A driver’s license signifies: freedom, fun, spontaneity, self-sufficiency, independent living as well as the ability to drive a car. Since driving is so important each of us must do all we can to be the best and safest driver we can