The Older Driver

Aging itself usually results in a gradual and subtle decline in strength, coordination, reaction time, ability to concentrate, vision, and hearing. Older people may have less stamina and become fatigued more quickly, especially in situations that require concentration. Older people are less able to focus on more than one task at a time. However, most changes attributed to aging are modest and are often not the main reason for driving safety issues.

Disorders that are more common among older people can be especially troublesome for older drivers. For example, the blood sugar level of drivers with diabetes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. Urination and thirst are... read more may rise too high or drop too low. Such changes can interfere with clear thinking, attention, mental focus, vision, and sensation in the feet.

Older drivers with dementia Dementia Dementia is a slow, progressive decline in mental function including memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to learn. Typically, symptoms include memory loss, problems using language and... read more (including Alzheimer disease Alzheimer Disease Alzheimer disease is a progressive loss of mental function, characterized by degeneration of brain tissue, including loss of nerve cells, the accumulation of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid... read more ) can have poor judgment, impaired memory, and slower reaction time, which is a dangerous mix when driving. Even when dementia is in its early stages, drivers may become more easily lost or more confused in congested traffic or when unexpected events occur on the road.

Strokes Overview of Stroke A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures, resulting in death of an area of brain tissue due to loss of its blood supply (cerebral infarction). Symptoms occur suddenly... read more or so-called ministrokes (transient ischemic attacks Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a disturbance in brain function that typically lasts less than 1 hour and results from a temporary blockage of the brain’s blood supply. The cause and symptoms... read more , or TIAs) can slow reaction time, cause muscle weakness, impair vision, and reduce coordination.

Seizures Seizure Disorders In seizure disorders, the brain's electrical activity is periodically disturbed, resulting in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction. Many people have unusual sensations just before a seizure... read more can abruptly cause people to become unaware of their surroundings or even lose consciousness.

A recent heart attack Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack; Myocardial Infarction; Unstable Angina) Acute coronary syndromes result from a sudden blockage in a coronary artery. This blockage causes unstable angina or a heart attack (myocardial infarction), depending on the location and amount... read more may increase the risk of fainting or light-headedness.

Arthritis causes joint pain Joint Pain: Single Joint Pain that is isolated to just one joint is called monoarticular joint pain. A joint may simply be painful (arthralgia) or may also be inflamed (arthritis). Pain in a single joint may be caused... read more and stiffness Joint Stiffness Joint stiffness is the feeling that the motion of a joint is limited or difficult. A stiff-feeling joint is not caused by weakness or reluctance to move the joint due to pain. Some people with... read more , limiting range of motion and possibly interfering with the ability to operate a car’s controls. For example, pain and stiffness in the knees or hips may affect the ability to press the brake pedal or accelerator. Arthritis can make turning the head (as is necessary when turning or reversing a car) painful and difficult.

Glaucoma Glaucoma Glaucomas are a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive optic nerve damage (often, but not always, associated with increased eye pressure) that can lead to irreversible loss of vision... read more and macular degeneration Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes progressive damage to the macula, the central and most vital area of the retina, resulting in gradual loss of central vision. Central vision becomes... read more are eye disorders that lead to problems when driving at twilight or at night. Glaucoma can also narrow the field of vision so that cars and other objects alongside the driver are difficult to see. Cataracts Cataract A cataract is a clouding (opacity) of the lens of the eye that causes a progressive, painless loss of vision. Vision may be blurred, contrast may be lost, and halos may be visible around lights... read more , which occur almost exclusively among older people, can cause glare from oncoming headlights or street lamps.

Sleep disorders, most notably obstructive sleep apnea Obstructive sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops long enough to disrupt sleep and often temporarily decrease the amount of oxygen and increase the amount of carbon dioxide... read more , can cause drowsiness that leads to a crash.

Many older people take drugs that can have undesirable side effects. Side effects can include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and other symptoms that interfere with driving. Both prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs can have these side effects. When starting a new drug that could affect visual, physical, or mental function, people should not drive for several days to be sure no side effects occur. Drugs that may interfere with driving include the following:

(See also the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Some Medicines and Driving Don't Mix.)

Many recreational drugs, including alcohol Alcohol Use Alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant (it slows down brain and nervous system functioning). Consuming large amounts rapidly or regularly can cause health problems, including organ damage, coma,... read more and marijuana Marijuana Marijuana (cannabis) is a drug made from the plants Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica that contain a psychoactive chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Marijuana... read more , also can impair driving.

Stress, particularly when driving in unfamiliar areas or in heavy traffic, may contribute to driving difficulty. Fatigue and distraction also decrease driving ability. Using a cell phone or texting while driving increase crash risk. Although all drivers should avoid these distractions, older adults are especially vulnerable because of age-related changes or a decline in attention and multitasking abilities. Advanced crash prevention technologies, such as lane departure warnings and blind-spot indicators (see MyCarDoesWhat.org for today's car safety features), are now available in many cars.

Falls in older adults Falls in Older People Most falls occur when older people with one or more physical conditions that impair mobility or balance encounter an environmental hazard. Although many people have no symptoms before a fall... read more have been associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes because avoiding falls and avoiding crashes both require coordination of cognition with visual and motor systems, all of which may be decreased in older drivers. Thus, interventions that reduce fall risk, such as physical activity, balance training, and reducing the use of sedating drugs, may have a role in improving both ambulation and driving safety.

For some older adults, the only deficit in driving ability is simply a lack of recent driving experience. It is common for one person in a relationship to do more of the driving than the other. When the main driver in a relationship dies, the other person may be unprepared to resume driving safely. Older people in a relationship should share driving activities because infrequent drivers are at high risk of stopping driving altogether (also known as driving retirement).

Older drivers can use their experience from years of driving to identify and avoid hazardous situations. For example, because stamina decreases with aging, older drivers may wish to drive shorter distances and take frequent breaks. They can avoid freeways and areas where traffic is congested or known to be dangerous. They can avoid driving at night or at twilight, when glare problems are most likely. They can avoid rush hour traffic and bad weather and try to avoid unprotected left turns. They may prefer to drive only familiar routes and locations.

Avoiding distractions—an important consideration for all drivers—is essential for older drivers. Cell phones are an important safety feature for drivers who become stranded when a car unexpectedly needs repair. However, cell phone use (even hands-free models) while driving is strongly discouraged. States have different laws regarding cell phone use while driving, and in some states it is illegal. Similarly, making adjustments to the stereo or another onboard system (such as navigation, climate control, or seat position), eating or drinking, smoking, reading digital or paper maps, and even engaging in conversation with other passengers can be distracting and can impair driving performance. People should minimize distractions of all types while driving.

Newer technology may assist older drivers. Parking aids, which use cameras or infrared systems to help with backing up, parking, and other maneuvers, are especially helpful for people who have difficulty looking over their shoulders. Other systems that are helpful to older drivers include cruise control, antilock brakes, and electronic stability devices that improve traction and steering. Advanced vision systems for night driving include curve lighting (lighting directed around a curve) and automatic dimming of headlights (high beams convert to low beams when there is oncoming traffic). Some cars offer blind-spot monitors, lane departure and collision warning systems, backup cameras, and rearview mirrors that automatically dim when hit by blinding headlights, thus reducing glare. Car manufacturers are experimenting with infrared night vision technology to enhance night driving.

Car manufacturers are also redesigning handles and knobs to make them easier to operate for people who have arthritis. Other car design features, such as lower door thresholds, low-back supports, extended visors, and adjustable seats and steering wheels, are available to all drivers but may be particularly helpful for older drivers. Self-driving cars are being experimented with across the nation and will likely become available in future years.

When crashes or other urgent situations occur, some emergency systems can automatically call and direct rescue teams to the car’s location. A Global Positioning System (GPS) may help older drivers locate destinations. Many older drivers have smart phones, which can have apps installed free of charge so that families can track their location using GPS technology if they become lost. Additionally, GPS technology is available to monitor many types of driving behavior (routes taken and speed while driving) via the internet if families desire. Further innovations are anticipated in the future.

As more and more technologies become available, it will become important to recognize that older adults may need more individual time spent on training in the use of the newer technologies. Technologies should be individualized to provide what is most helpful for each person. (See MyCarDoesWhat.org for today's car safety features.)

There are online programs for improving driving safety, some of which target older adults. Older drivers can help maintain or even improve their driving skills through driver refresher programs. Several organizations—such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and American Automobile Association (AAA)—offer such programs to help older drivers adjust to the challenges of driving during old age. In addition, taking such programs may lower insurance rates in some states. AAA offers RoadWise Driver, a senior defensive driving program focused on helping seniors adjust to various age-related changes that impact driving ability, and AARP offers a course on refreshing driving skills.

Older drivers may also benefit from programs designed to ensure that their vehicle fits them correctly. For example, they can be evaluated to ensure that they have the right distance from their steering wheel and the right seat height for viewing traffic. Adjusting mirrors properly can help drivers compensate for blind spots. AAA’s CarFit program is available virtually and at various in-person events across the country and provides useful information about how a person's vehicle can be best “fit” to improve safety.

Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors and obtaining good medical care can help older drivers avoid driving difficulties. There are many reasons to stay fit in older age—including retaining driving ability. Older people should regularly see a doctor to be evaluated for problems with vision, memory and thinking, and muscle strength that could impair their ability to drive.

Treatment of some disorders may improve driving performance. For example, cataract removal can be beneficial. Treatment of arthritis with drugs and physical therapy can improve flexibility and mobility. Good control of diabetes can prevent swings in the blood sugar level. Treatment of sleep apnea can reduce daytime sleepiness. Older drivers should review their drugs with a doctor or pharmacist to make sure that driving performance will not be compromised by side effects.

Many states have laws that prohibit people from driving for a specified time after certain disorders are diagnosed. This waiting period (moratorium) provides time for the disorder to be stabilized with treatment. For example, some states require a 3- to 6-month moratorium before driving after a seizure, stroke, or transient ischemic attack. Older drivers with any medical condition that could impact driving ability should follow doctors' recommendations regarding waiting periods or driving modifications.