Driving can help older adults maintain independence and mobility. However, various factors can affect driving as one ages. There are steps you can take to ensure safe driving in older age.
In 2022, there were around
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. This may be due to factors like the association of aging and frailty, driving older cars, and being overrepresented in cross-traffic crashes, where drivers are more vulnerable and less protected.
However, you can take steps to remain safer behind the wheel.
Certain changes that can occur as you age may affect your ability to drive safely. You may notice that driving becomes more difficult for you and your loved ones over time.
Medical conditions, injuries, and other changes in health may also affect your driving abilities.
Joints and muscles
Joints may stiffen and muscles may weaken as you age. Arthritis is
Arthritis and some other conditions may make it more difficult to turn your head, brake safely, or turn the steering wheel quickly. If arthritis, pain, or stiffness affects your driving, speak with your healthcare professional.
If you have leg issues, you may be able to fit your car with hand controls for the gas and brake pedals. Driving a car with an automatic transmission, power steering, and large mirrors can also help.
Did you know?
Medicare offers coverage for various services and treatments for arthritis, including:
- prescription medications
- surgery
- physical therapy
- pain management
- assistive devices, such as knee braces
Vision
Your vision may change as you age. Seeing objects, people, and movement outside your direct line of sight may become more difficult. It may also take longer to recognize familiar places and read road signs.
As you age, the changes to your eyesight can also make the sunlight feel blinding, and you may notice a glare from oncoming headlights or streetlights.
Eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and some medications can also affect your vision.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that anyone over age 60 get a dilated eye exam every
Did you know?
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
Your hearing can also change as you age. This can make hearing horns, sirens, or sounds from your car more challenging. These sounds can warn you when you need to pull over or your vehicle has a mechanical issue.
The NIA suggests that you get your hearing checked every
Medications
Some medications can cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, which can make a person less alert than usual. This can make driving unsafe.
Some medications come with warnings about driving. Even if your medication does not have a driving warning, it may still have adverse effects. It is important to ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medical conditions or medications may make it unsafe for you to drive.
Did you know?
Medicare Extra Help may be able to assist you in paying the costs associated with Part D and prescription costs. Extra Help is a program for people with lower incomes and resources.
It helps pay for out-of-pocket costs such as:
- premiums
- deductibles
- coinsurance
- copayments
Reflexes and reaction times
As a person ages, their reflexes and reaction times might slow down. Stiffness in joints and muscle weakness can also make it harder for you to respond quickly.
You may also experience loss of feeling or tingling in your fingers or feet, which may make it more difficult to steer or use the foot pedals.
Medical conditions
Some medical conditions may make it unsafe to drive. For example, a person with Parkinson’s disease may experience tremors, shaking, and loss of coordination, which may make it unsafe for them to drive. A stroke or other conditions that include movement limitations and loss of control of limbs may also make it unsafe for a person to drive.
Speak with your healthcare professional about which medical conditions may affect your driving.
There are currently no standard measures to determine driving competency, and licensing requirements vary across states.
However, primary care doctors can take steps to assess the fitness of older adults to drive. Family members can also help by accompanying an older relative on a drive to help identify any potentially unsafe driving behaviors they may have.
There are steps you
- Get regular physical activity: This can help improve your strength and flexibility, which can also help your driving abilities.
- Take care of your eyes and ears: Always wear your glasses or contact lenses while driving if you need them to see distances clearly. You should also always wear your hearing aids while driving if you need them.
- Don’t crowd: Leave ample space between you and the car in front of you. Remember to start braking early when you need to stop.
- Plan your route: It can be helpful to stick to roads you know. You may also want to avoid highways or other high-speed roads. If you have to drive on a fast road, it can be a good idea to stick to the right-hand lane where traffic is moving more slowly.
- Wear seat belts: Always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers do the same.
- Plan your timings: Avoid high traffic areas or rush hour if possible. Drive during daylight when possible to avoid any nighttime issues you may have.
- Limit distractions: Avoid eating, adjusting the radio, and other distractions while driving. If you must use your phone, do so hands-free, and never text while behind the wheel.
- Use window defrosters: This can help keep your windows clear.
- Avoid bad weather: If possible, allow weather like rain, snow, and fog to clear before driving, as they can cause dangerous driving conditions.
- Consult a driving rehabilitation specialist: Consider consulting one of these professionals, as they can test older drivers for:
- coordination and reaction times
- decision making
- physical abilities
Questions to ask about driving
Everyone ages differently. This is partly why there is no set age for when people should stop driving. To help decide if that time is coming, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I had accidents, even just “fender benders?”
- Do other drivers honk at me?
- Do I have difficulty seeing road signs, lanes, or exits?
- Have physical conditions or medications slowed my reaction time?
- Am I flexible enough to turn my head to check mirrors and blind spots comfortably?
- Do cars and pedestrians seem to appear out of nowhere?
- Do I get lost frequently, even on familiar roads?
- Do I often get distracted while driving?
- Do I drive less these days because I am less sure about my abilities as I used to be?
- Do I have difficulty moving my foot between the gas and brake pedals? Do I sometimes confuse the two?
- Do I have difficulty staying in my lane?
- Have the police pulled me over for my driving?
- Have family, friends, or my doctor voiced concern about my driving?
Many factors due to aging can affect your driving and your 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 your seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and planning your route.
If you have any questions about your driving or medical conditions and medications that may affect your ability, speak with a healthcare professional.