Many senior drivers grapple with the issue of driving. At what age should seniors stop driving? Is it safe to drive locally? What about highway driving?
For seniors who decide to give up driving, this can often be a difficult experience due to the loss of independence it represents. The choice is often a painful but necessary part of aging.
For older drivers who can drive safely, but find driving challenging, several resources are available.
AAA offers a “Smart Features for Older Drivers” brochure which contains useful advice and recommendations. The brochure highlights several features older drivers may find helpful such as automatic wipers, front and rear sensors and power doors.
CarFit is a community-based educational program that was created in collaboration with the AAA, AARP and AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association). CarFit offers events where a team of trained technicians and health professionals work with participants to make sure they fit their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit check takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is offered in several states.
This increased focus on safety is important for drivers at any age.