Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is Monday-Friday, Dec. 1-5.
Older adults (65 and older) account for approximately 18 percent of the U.S. population.
For that demographic, mobility and independence are vital to staying engaged and active in their communities.  But age-related changes or medications may impact an older individual’s driving ability.
The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program is teaming up with the U. S. Dept. of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (to offer information and guidance to help the families and caregivers of older drivers have open and honest conversations with their older loved ones to encourage roadway safety for years to come.
“The topic of driving may feel sensitive for many older drivers,” said GHSP director Jack McNeely. 
“For this reason, we encourage family members and caregivers to have a conversation about safe driving with the older adults in their lives. Helping older drivers understand how physical and cognitive changes may affect driving abilities can help extend independent driving or determine how best to handle driving scenarios.”
Between 2014-23, the number of people age 65 and older in the U. S. increased by 28 percent, while the number of older drivers involved in fatal crashes increased 41 percent.
In 2023 alone, 7,891 people age 65 and older were killed in traffic crashes in the U. S., accounting for 19 percent of all traffic fatalities.
In West Virginia, 329 fatal crashes involved a driver age 65 and older between 2019-23, 27 percent of all fatal crashes in West Virginia.
Family members and caregivers may support an older driver by planning ahead for safe mobility beyond the driver’s seat by exploring alternative transportation options that best meet their needs
Delaying these conversations can make it more difficult and stressful for all involved.
Families and caregivers can alleviate negative feelings by showing compassion and empathy during conversations with older drivers. Ultimately, this will make for a more empowering and productive conversation.
Driving is a complex task, and it is important to never base driving ability on age. Instead, understand that everyone will experience aging differently, with changes that may include reduced strength, flexibility, vision, and cognition.
It is imperative for both older drivers and families to be aware of these changes. Safe driving ability can also be affected by certain medications or medical conditions. Families and caregivers can support an older driver by attending medical appointments and by encouraging them to share any driving-related concerns with their healthcare provider.