Debra A. Kerrigan, MS, OTR/LNewton-Wellesley HospitalDepartment of Rehabilitation ServicesDrive Safe Program
Steering Clear at 60+ Tips for safe driving as we age
Drive Safe Program
IndependenceFreedomConvenienceConnection and
contribution to the community, friends, family
Respect Pride of owning a vehicle
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Vision
Strength, flexibility
and reflexes
Health conditions like arthritis
Memory
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Adjust mirrors properly before driving
Check rearview mirror every 10 to 20 seconds
Turn your head and look before changing lanes or
merging with traffic
Other tips….
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Aging may bring diminished muscle strength to legs, arms, and handgrip—all important for vehicle control
flexibility to look over the shoulder for checking traffic
reaction time to respond to traffic or road hazards
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Physical ActivityStrengthening StretchingEnduranceBalance development
Adaptive Equipment
Drive Safe Program
Older adults maybe more susceptible to adverse or strong reactions
May take more medications, which increases the likelihood for interaction
The body may not use medications as effectively and reacts more strongly to even lower doses
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Be aware of your reaction to medications, vitamins, and supplements.
New medicine: Ask doctor or pharmacist about side effects.
Medication makes you dizzy or drowsy: Talk to doctor.
Adjust your driving schedule to accommodate the reaction.
Drive Safe Program
Driving a car requires:
Making decisions quickly which requires mental alertness. Switching attention quickly to many situations
happening on the road. Dividing attention to perform many tasks such
as steering, shifting gears checking mirrors and looking ahead.
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Organize your trip Sunglasses in easy reach Money ready for tolls Read your map before you start your trip
Control your environment Turn the radio/music down or off Ask passengers to keep conversations down Watch your temper Drive on familiar roads
(DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Improve concentration on the road by getting enough sleep and rest
Practice habits of sleep health Avoid naps Develop a regular time to go to bed Do some physical activity each day Eat a light meal in the evening Avoid drinking tea, coffee, or cocoa 6
hours before bedtime (DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
When Talk about driving before a problem develops.
Why The discussion is about your connection to
the community and your control over your future.
Driving discussions affect others—families, loved ones and friends, and those in the community that rely on you. (DriveWell1)
Drive Safe Program
Most older drivers are safeMany older drivers self-restrictMajority of older drivers in the United
States will outlive their ability to drive by about 7 to 10 years3
Objective assessments and driver rehabilitation can be helpful
“Driving is considered a privilege but mobility is a human right” 2
Drive Safe Program
RMV: Evaluators lack specialized knowledge of
health conditions and aging
Driver Rehabilitation Specialists Specialized training Driving instructors: knowledge of driving Occupational therapists: knowledge of
driving + medical conditions
Drive Safe Program
Clinical Assessment of Underlying Skills for Driving
+On-Road Assessment of Driving Performance
________________________________________________
Driving Recommendations
Drive Safe Program
1American Society on Aging & National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2007). DriveWell: Promoting older driver safety and mobility in your community. U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT HS 809 838.
2Eby, D. W., & Molnar, L. J. (2008). “2008 North American License PoliciesWorkshop Proceedings.” AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Available: http://www.aaafoundation.org/pdf/LPWorkshopProceedings.pdf
3Foley, D.J., Heimovitz, H.K., Guralnik, J., and Brock, D. (August 2002). “Driving life expectancy of persons aged 70 years and older in the United States.” American Journal of Public Health 92(8):1284–89.