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Driving safety

• More information on driving safety

As Americans, we love our cars. They give us freedom and independence. But for most of us, a time comes when we should no longer drive. Age-related changes to our vision, hearing, reflexes, and strength affect how we drive. Also, driving conditions have changed since the time that many older adults learned to drive. Today's crowded roadways and high-speed, multi-lane highways can be hard and risky to navigate. What's more, distracted drivers of any age put others at risk. At some point, continuing to drive may put yourself and others in harm's way.

Taking a driver's refresher course can help to keep your driving skills sharp and may even keep you on the road longer. Plus, some insurance companies give discounts for taking a driver's refresher course.

When is it time to limit driving or get off the road for good? Here are a few warning signs:

• You feel uncomfortable and nervous when you drive.
• You have dents and scrapes on the car from multiple run-ins with telephone poles, mailboxes, curbs, and other objects.
• You have trouble staying in your lane.
• Other drivers honk at you constantly.
• Cars and pedestrians seem to appear out of nowhere.
• You have an increased pattern of accidents or "near-misses."
• You frequently get lost — even in a familiar area.

Visit AARP's Driver Safety Program to learn more about driving safety.

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More information on driving safety

Explore other publications and websites

• AARP Driver Safety (Copyright © American Association of Retired Persons) — This Internet site provides older persons with information on driving instruction, taking online classes, and volunteering with AARP driver safety.
  http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/driver_safety/
• Age Page: Older Drivers — This fact sheet discusses ways in which older persons can drive safely.
  http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/drivers.htm
• Drivers 55 Plus: Self-Rating Form (Copyright © AAA Foundation) — This questionnaire helps older adults locate areas in which physical and mental abilities call for a change in driving habits and skills.
  http://www.aaafoundation.org/quizzes/index.cfm?button=driver55
• Older Adult Drivers: Fact Sheet — This fact sheet discusses the occurrence, risk factors, and consequences some older adults face when driving.
  http://www.cdc.gov/MotorVehicleSafety/Older_Adult_Drivers/adult-drivers_factsheet.html

Connect with other organizations

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety — Senior Driver Website
  http://www.seniordrivers.org/home/index.cfm
• Administration on Aging, HHS
  http://www.aoa.gov
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT
  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Content last updated August 12, 2010.

Resources last updated August 12, 2010.

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