Older driver safety: Part two

Although the snow boots may still be in the hall closet this December, we know that the weather will turn to ice and snow before long and driving will become more challenging.  Just as we adapt our driving habits in the winter to snow-covered roads, we also need to consider how to adapt our driving as we age.

So today, we offer the second part of our columns on safety for older drivers. We hope that drivers of any age can glean some good ideas for themselves. 

Last month, Community Caregivers hosted an expert in the field of driver safety to speak to our volunteers. Many of our volunteers drive others as part of their volunteer service with Community Caregivers.

Donna Stressel, program director of Driving Rehabilitation Services at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, conducted an interesting and informative session titled, “Drive Well.” As a Driving rehabilitation specialist, Donna has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping individuals adapt their driving when they face the challenges of aging or disability.

On the positive side, she noted that older drivers have the benefit of experience, which can help them drive more defensively.

Below are strategies to assist with safe driving, which are especially pertinent to older drivers: 

— Map out your route before getting behind the wheel to avoid the higher risk situations, when possible. Examples include turning left into traffic and changing lanes on highways;

— Drive in daylight hours only, if you have trouble seeing in the dark;

— Drive in familiar places;

— Time your trip to avoid rush-hour driving; and 

— Avoid high-speed roadways; ramps that require you to merge into traffic by accelerating rapidly and switching lanes can be challenging to drivers with limited mobility. 

Our newer roundabouts slow traffic and are statistically much safer than stoplights, but can be confusing when you first encounter them. Drive routes with roundabouts during slow traffic hours first to familiarize yourself with the lanes and exits.

And especially in the winter, keep abreast of the forecast during the entire duration of your trip. Weather is especially capricious in our part of the country.  Rescheduling your travel might be a wise decision. 

If you’re an older driver or have an older driver in the family, consider enlisting the services of a driver rehabilitation specialist or occupational therapist.  The specialist can test your driving skills, suggest ways to improve your driving, and even offer ways to adapt your car for safety.

Driving programs aimed at older adults can update and refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road. Safe driver courses and resources are offered by the American Association for Retired Persons, the American Automobile Association, and some insurance companies. Drivers are taught how to adjust their driving to compensate for age-related physical changes. 

In our office, we have several print resources for older drivers. You are welcome to stop by and pick up these materials. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has resources devoted to senior drivers; its website may be found at www.nhtsa.gov/Senior-Drivers.  All of these measures taken together can help keep older drivers safe on the road.

Community Caregivers, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation, and caregiver support at no charge to residents in Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.

To find out more about transportation and other services or about volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call 456-2898.

Editor’s note: Linda Miller is the Outreach and Education Coordinator for Community Caregivers.