With age comes new limitations, which can be both physical and cognitive in nature. Physical and cognitive limitations can cause serious problems on the road, while environmental factors also have an impact on one's driving condition. The effects of new limitations caused by age (interpersonal factors) and environmental factors can be especially severe for senior drivers. As a result, safe driving practices are especially important for senior drivers.
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There are approximately 2.7 million drivers over the age of 65 on Canadian roads today, and by 2040, the number of older drivers will nearly double (Lindstrom-Forneri, 26). As the number of older drivers increases, so does the demand for stability and safety. The impact of health changes on driving may be severe as we age. These health changes may manifest as hearing and vision deterioration, a decline in physical abilities (e.g., strength, reflexes), and a decline in cognitive abilities. However, some seniors may not be deliberately aware of the effect on driving that these health changes pose.
Following are some useful driving tips for seniors who are driving, are thinking about stopping driving, or are in the process of doing so.
Have your driving evaluated
When an injury, disease, illness, or aging may impair your ability to drive, a thorough driving evaluation should be performed. These are not the same as license renewal screening tests. This type of evaluation can help determine whether your medical condition or age is interfering with your driving ability. ICBC provides a self-assessment exam to assist senior drivers in determining their fitness to continue driving safely.
Take a driver refresher course
Taking a refresher course, such as those offered by ICBC and Trinity Driving School, will teach you about warning signs that your driving is no longer safe, conditions and behaviours that can impair your ability to drive safely, and strategies to improve your driving skills. ICBC offers an on-road evaluation to help drivers identify aspects of driving that they are struggling with.
Find more information at the ICBC website.
Prepare for ‘hang up your keys’
All drivers must consider the possibility that their ability to drive will deteriorate over time. That being said, there may come a time when you no longer feel safe driving, or you may be told that continuing to drive is no longer a safe option. Before aging impairs one's ability to drive safely, older adults should begin the transition to driving retirement and explore the mobility options available in their community.
Explore alternate modes of transportation
It is recommended that older drivers become acquainted with and comfortable with alternative modes of transportation in their communities. Alternative modes of transportation include public transportation, community shuttles, taxis, volunteer drives, and community rideshare groups. Learn more about available options by visiting the Seniors on the Move website.
