Regardless of a driver decreasing ability to drive safely, this does not mean that these risk factors cannot be offset or eliminated.  This can be accomplished via a combination of knowing how to limit distractions, choose a proper vehicle, use assistive add-ons, complete driver improvement courses, and limit travel, voluntarily or via a restricted drivers license. Other information included here covers renewals of drivers licenses as well as disabled person placards.

Limiting Distractions

Of all senior caused accidents where a cause was determined, distracted driving ranked as the number one cause of accidents, at 21%.

• Pets:  The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) published a study in “Accident Analysis and Prevention” which said that at-fault crash rates for drivers 70 years of age or older were higher for drivers whose pet frequently rode along with them.
• Grandchildren:  One study report that children were 33% safer with grandparents than parents, as the study looked at State Farm insurance claims for 2003-07 car crashes across 15 states. However, noisy children can lead to distractions for any driver, therefore, children voices should be kept to a minimum while driving.
• Navigation:  It is best to know where you are going before you leave. Relying on navigation can cause distraction, as well as sudden turns. According to one govt study (CDOT), a whopping 12% of older drivers involved in an accident (with known causes) reported unfamiliarity with an area as being the reason, the second largest cause of accidents.
• Radio: Both the tuning of the radio, as well as the volume of the noise from the radio, both can contribute to accidents.
• Phones/devices:  It is well known that these electronic devices contribute to accidents, even if only voice operated. Fortunately, only 0.5% of drivers over 70 talk/text while driving according to an NHTSA study, while 2% – 4% of those under 70 do the same (2018).

Choosing a Safe Vehicle:

It seems logical that vehicles with certain safety or convenience features will result in reduced accident rates. AK’s and CA’s Department of Motor Vehicles recommends the following both which choosing a vehicle as well as operating it:

• Automatic transmission: this decreases coordination needs from drivers allowing them to focus more on other tasks, including watching the road.
• Power steering:  Cars without power steering are often more difficult to turn, especially in snowy, gravelly, in tight turns, and similar conditions.
• Power brakes:  Like steering, power brakes reduce the effort needed to depress brakes, which may be more useful for older adults that are not as physically strong.
• Instrument panel:  The panel should be bright at night, and easy to read. Panels with illuminated or larger numbers may help.
• Steering wheel:  Driver should be able to see clearly over the wheel, and may use a booster such as a cushion to help, although the driver should still be able to reach the pedals easily. Remember, according to the U.S National Library of Medicine, people lose about half an inch (1cm) every 10 years after the age of 40, and in total 1- 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 centimeters) over a lifetime.  Healthy diets, proper physical activity, and bone loss prevention can reduce these changes.
• Headrest:  Having the headrest in an improper position can distract and in some cases make it difficult to see.
•  Accelerator/brake:   These should be easily reachable and usable. With aging, this may become more difficult to reach as well as depress as leg muscle often can weaken in older adults.
• Entering/exiting:  The vehicle should be easy to get in and out of to minimize chances of falling.

Assistive Add-Ons

An imperfect car may be retrofitted with various extenders to improve safety and usability, which can include:

• Turning knobs (also known as spinning , or brodie  knobs)
• Seat belt adaptors, which can increase comfort, especially for different sized drivers.
• Blind spot reducing mirrors
• Pedal extenders 
• Brighter headlights (check legality in your area first)

Senior oriented organizations and driving clubs such as AARP and AAA, as well as an occupational therapy physician may be sought for additional safety device information.

Always remember to wear your seat belt properly including the lap and shoulder portions. Studies show that the rate of fatalities without seatbelts often double, as they prevent the body from being thrown around the vehicle cabin during a collision.

Driver Improvement Courses for Seniors

Various groups offer advanced driving courses and training for older adults. Some are offered online while others are classroom based, but all of them are designed to teach adults how to get the most out of their vehicle while reducing risk to all passengers. Programs may offer sections such as:

• How to extend your driving career
• Avoiding distracted, drowsy, aggressive, and other common risk factors.
• Visibility improvement
• Making good use of time and space.
• Alcohol, medications, and other substances
• Comfort and safety tips
• Staying up to date on driving techniques and changing technological features in vehicles

Contact the DMV or senior organizations in your area for recommended courses, especially ones tailored to older adults. Courses generally last a few hours total in length.

A second benefit to completing such a program is it commonly can reduce auto insurance premiums. Always be sure to compare costs, check the program with state licensing if needed, and check things like cancellation policies.

Limiting Driving Situations via a Restricted Driver License

Some states such as Idaho and California offer a restricted license options for older drivers that do poorly on a DMV administered test and after a discussion with them. Some possible license restrictions include:

• glasses or corrective contact lenses—this is generally the most common restriction
• no freeway driving
• no nighttime driving
• no freeway driving
• requiring additional side mirrors on your vehicle
• Requiring a person to place special mechanical devices on their vehicle. 
• time of day restrictions—e.g no driving during rush hour traffic
• supports to ensure a proper driving position
• limitations to certain geographical areas, such as to the store, doctors office, and church
• using bioptic telescopic lens, contact lenses, or other assistive devices when driving
• requiring an automatic transmission

Driver License Renewal Process

Every state has different requirements for renewing a drivers license, and the frequency of required renewal often changes for senior drivers. Such tests are typically written, but in some cases may require road tests as well. Preparing well ahead of time may help reduce nervousness and anxiety associated with tests, and may help increase test scores as a result. Most states also publish their DMV manual online for convenience.

Vision tests are always part of drivers license renewals. You can even get an idea of potential problems beforehand by printing and conducting your own vision test at home. The American Academy of Opthamology has a guide on conducting and printing this home test.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/home-eye-test-children-adults

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver

Even if an older adult can drive, getting to and from their location can include other challenges and dangers, which can sometimes be offset with a disable person placard.  Disable person parking placards and license plates are not just for people with obvious handicaps. They can be assigned on a temporary or permanent basis depending on the medical professional’s opinion. They are available to those that have any of the following needs:

• Cannot walk more than 200 feet without resting
• Needs a cane, crutch, supportive device, brace, wheelchair, another person, prosthetic device, or other assistive device
• Cannot walk extensively due to neurologic, orthopedic, respiratory, cardiac, arthritic, blindness, or the loss or function of one or more limbs.

To obtain a disabled placard or plate:

• Contact your local DMV for specific requirements.
• Have a licensed doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse, or other advanced-practice professional nurse sign the forms, then return the forms to the DMV.

There are a variety of alternatives to helping older adults maintain their autonomy for as long as possible.

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