It's a reality of life. Our skills as drivers change as we age.

Issues Confronting Elderly Drivers

It’s a reality of life. Our skills as drivers change as we age. The ability to drive allows one freedom and control to do the things that enable independent living. However, for many of us, there will be a time when we need to make the decision to limit or stop driving.

For those elderly persons who drive, there remain many concerns. Changing physical conditions affect driving skills, including, slower reflexes, night blindness, medication and hearing impairment.

For the family and friends of an elderly driver, the concerns grow further. We want our loved ones to maintain a sense of independence, but we don’t want to see them hurt themselves or others in the process.

To better understand this issue, the following websites and groups provide comprehensive information on the challenges that confront elderly drivers:

• Aging Parents and Elder Care (Senior Care)
• SeniorDrivers.org
• The Driver Safety Page at AARP
• The Association for Driver Rehabilitation
• The National Institute on Aging

In addition, the USAA Educational Foundation, AARP, and the National Highway Traffic Safety

Useful Links:

• Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers