The Village of Algonquin, IL

Older adults (65 and older) account for approximately 17% of the U.S. population. For this demographic, mobility and independence are essential to staying engaged and active in their communities. However, age-related changes may undermine an individual’s driving ability and increase their likelihood of being seriously injured or killed in the event of a vehicle crash. Being proactive about safe driving skills, learning ways to identify changes early, and intervening as soon as possible can help older drivers maintain safe mobility on the road. While older driver safety is important year-round, Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, December 2-6, is a good time to remind people of the importance.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers information and guidance to help the families and caregivers of older drivers have open and honest discussions with their older loved ones to ensure they are safe on the road for years to come. Between 2013 and 2022, the population of people 65 and older in the United States increased by 29%. In 2022, there were 7,971 people 65 and older killed in traffic crashes in the United States, accounting for 19% of all traffic fatalities. Yet, fatal crash rates per 100,000 licensed older drivers increased sharply from 2021 to 2022. The data shows these rates declined from 2019 to 2020, then returned to near 2019 levels in 2021 and 2022. The decrease from 2019 to 2020 and the subsequent increase from 2020 to 2021 likely resulted from older adults staying home during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Be Empathetic

NHTSA and the Algonquin Police Department encourage family members and caregivers to discuss safe driving with the older adults in their lives. Families and caregivers who understand how age-related changes may affect an older driver’s ability to drive safely can be better equipped before starting a conversation about this topic. Helping older drivers understand how physical and cognitive changes may affect driving abilities can help extend independent driving or determine how best to handle driving scenarios.

Be Supportive

Fortunately, many older adults are risk-averse and may limit their driving only to daytime and during light traffic. These are great self-regulation strategies to extend safe driving abilities and should be supported by families and caregivers if appropriate. However, driving is a complex task and it is important to never base driving ability on age. Instead, understand that everyone will experience aging differently, with changes that may include reduced strength, flexibility, vision, and cognition. It is imperative for both older drivers and families to be aware of these changes. Safe driving ability can also be affected by certain medications or medical conditions. Families and caregivers can support an older driver by attending medical appointments and by encouraging them to share any driving-related concerns with their healthcare provider.

Be Proactive

Families and caregivers can also help older drivers be proactive about their safe driving by encouraging them to keep up with their driving skills and to learn about new traffic patterns, vehicle features, and traffic laws. Families and caregivers should take the time to review vehicle manuals with older drivers. If needed, older drivers should ask for help if they don’t understand a vehicle’s safety feature. It’s also a good idea for older drivers to regularly assess their safe driving to determine if any changes are needed. This can be done using a self-assessment tool or by a professional who is trained to evaluate driving skills and abilities.

Family members and caregivers should support an older driver in planning ahead for safe mobility beyond the driver’s seat. Ideally, this should be done before older adults can no longer drive, by exploring alternate transportation options that best meet their needs. Delaying these conversations can make it more difficult and stressful for all involved. Families and caregivers can alleviate these negative feelings by showing compassion and empathy during conversations with older drivers. Ultimately, this will make for a more empowering and productive conversation.

NHTSA offers free resources for older drivers and provides information about how families and caregivers can create a safe system for all road users whether driving, walking, or cycling. For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/OlderDrivers.