Though the debate about older drivers figures to remain a hot topic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that aging can affect drivers in a number of ways. The physical and mental changes that accompany aging can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Reaction times may be slower, hearing and vision loss may affect driver awareness, loss of muscle strength and flexibility can make steering more difficult and medication can impair focus and/or concentration.
Many senior centers and organizations offer programs that allow elderly drivers to brush up on their skills behind the wheel. Drivers also can contact their insurance companies to see if there are any sponsored classes they can take to reassess their skills and possibly lower their insurance premiums. AAA offers a Driver Improvement course and suggests seniors find a car they can safely and comfortably operate. AAA also offers Roadwise Rx, a free online tool that provides confidential, individualized feedback about medication side effects and how these drugs may impact drivers on the road. AARP also offers a Driver Safety course.
It also is important that senior drivers and their families familiarize themselves with local legislation to determine if driver refresher courses or retesting are necessary for older drivers to remain behind the wheel.
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