With more and more Americans driving well into their 70s, 80s and beyond, there are a variety of measures that can be taken to help maintain and even improve driving skills as we age. Here are some recommendations by driving rehabilitation specialists:
Get an eye exam: Because about 90 percent of the information necessary to drive is received through our eyes, this is a good first step in ensuring driving safety. Get your eyes checked every year to be sure your vision and eyewear are up to par.
Get a physical or wellness exam: As we age, it’s also important to monitor changes in overall health as they relate to driving. Medical conditions like arthritis, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea and stroke can all affect driving.
In addition, certain medications or combinations of medications can induce drowsiness or lightheadedness, which can impair judgment or affect reflexes or alertness necessary for safe driving. So an annual physical or wellness examination and a medication review are smart ways to verify driving preparedness.
Take a refresher course: AARP and AAA have older driver improvement courses that can help you brush up your driving skills and understand how to adjust for slower reflexes, weaker vision and other age-related physical changes that can affect driving. Taking a class may also earn a discount on your auto insurance. For additional details, visit AARPdriversafety.org (for their Smart Driver course) and Exchange.AAA.com/safety/senior-driver-safety-mobility.
Make appropriate adjustments: Considering when and where you drive is another way to improve safety and stay behind the wheel longer. Some simple adjustments include: not driving after dark or during rush hour traffic; avoiding major highways or other busy roads; and not driving in poor weather conditions.
Have your driving evaluated: Are you driving at appropriate speeds, tailgating or drifting between lanes? Are you having difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Are you making poor driving decisions? Your adult child may be able to help identify where you may need some brushing up on your skills.
For a more comprehensive assessment, consider a driver evaluation program, such as the one at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains. Their occupational therapist administers tests that measure essential skills required to drive safely and, when appropriate, an in-vehicle test with a driving school follows. The goal is to measure safe driving ability and get rehabilitation to strengthen skills, if needed. They can be reached at 914-597-2187. Another option is Rehabologym (914-603-8600) in Tarrytown, which offers a Driver Rehab Program to assess and address the skills needed to “maximize success and safety behind the wheel.”
By the age of 70, the average driver has about 50 years of driving experience, which is why many continue to drive safely for years to come. But when it gets to the point that driving isn’t safe anymore and you need to quit, there are a number of Westchester organizations that can help get you around, including RideConnect, Transportation-Resource-Access, At Home on the Sound, Staying Put in Rye, as well as the Bee-Line bus system (with reduced fares for seniors).
Additionally, the Westchester County Older Driver Coalition provides resources through the Department of Senior Programs and Services to assist families and their loved ones with driving concerns. Call 914.813.6188 or email bdc1@westchestergov.com for the Older and Wiser Driver brochure, safe driving programs, driving evaluation, and transitioning to not driving.
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.
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18 Apr 2024
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With more and more Americans driving well into their 70s, 80s and beyond, there are a variety of measures that can be taken to help maintain and even improve driving skills as we age. Here are some recommendations by driving rehabilitation specialists:
Get an eye exam: Because about 90 percent of the information necessary to drive is received through our eyes, this is a good first step in ensuring driving safety. Get your eyes checked every year to be sure your vision and eyewear are up to par.
Get a physical or wellness exam: As we age, it’s also important to monitor changes in overall health as they relate to driving. Medical conditions like arthritis, dementia, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea and stroke can all affect driving.
In addition, certain medications or combinations of medications can induce drowsiness or lightheadedness, which can impair judgment or affect reflexes or alertness necessary for safe driving. So an annual physical or wellness examination and a medication review are smart ways to verify driving preparedness.
Take a refresher course: AARP and AAA have older driver improvement courses that can help you brush up your driving skills and understand how to adjust for slower reflexes, weaker vision and other age-related physical changes that can affect driving. Taking a class may also earn a discount on your auto insurance. For additional details, visit AARPdriversafety.org (for their Smart Driver course) and Exchange.AAA.com/safety/senior-driver-safety-mobility.
Make appropriate adjustments: Considering when and where you drive is another way to improve safety and stay behind the wheel longer. Some simple adjustments include: not driving after dark or during rush hour traffic; avoiding major highways or other busy roads; and not driving in poor weather conditions.
Have your driving evaluated: Are you driving at appropriate speeds, tailgating or drifting between lanes? Are you having difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Are you making poor driving decisions? Your adult child may be able to help identify where you may need some brushing up on your skills.
For a more comprehensive assessment, consider a driver evaluation program, such as the one at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains. Their occupational therapist administers tests that measure essential skills required to drive safely and, when appropriate, an in-vehicle test with a driving school follows. The goal is to measure safe driving ability and get rehabilitation to strengthen skills, if needed. They can be reached at 914-597-2187. Another option is Rehabologym (914-603-8600) in Tarrytown, which offers a Driver Rehab Program to assess and address the skills needed to “maximize success and safety behind the wheel.”
By the age of 70, the average driver has about 50 years of driving experience, which is why many continue to drive safely for years to come. But when it gets to the point that driving isn’t safe anymore and you need to quit, there are a number of Westchester organizations that can help get you around, including RideConnect, Transportation-Resource-Access, At Home on the Sound, Staying Put in Rye, as well as the Bee-Line bus system (with reduced fares for seniors).
Additionally, the Westchester County Older Driver Coalition provides resources through the Department of Senior Programs and Services to assist families and their loved ones with driving concerns. Call 914.813.6188 or email bdc1@westchestergov.com for the Older and Wiser Driver brochure, safe driving programs, driving evaluation, and transitioning to not driving.