Introduction: Why Is Older-Driver Safety and Wellness Important?

As more options become available for maintaining independence in later life, older drivers, families and communities face the key task of seeking new solutions to driving-safety issues. The traditional response of removing drivers from the road as they age may be drastic and even unnecessary, and finding alternative solutions can help enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Important reasons to maximize the ability to safely continue driving include:

• Independence and freedom
  Older adults value the freedom to decide where, when and with whom they travel. The ability to run errands, see doctor or visit friends without depending on others for assistance is a source of pride and, if lost, a cause of anxiety.

• Strapped family resources
  Family members may not have the time to drive an older person to many places beyond the doctor's office and grocery stores. To lessen the burden on those who care for them, older adults may feel they should limit their requests.

• Lack of access to public transportation
  Many older adults living in suburban or rural areas do not have access to adequate public transportation to meet their needs.

• Overburdened transportation systems
  Alternative transportation systems, such as paratransit (vehicles providing door-to-door service) and volunteer rides, are stretched to capacity in many communities, and often only provide limited service. Often the services require advance reservations days before a trip. Paratransit programs typically limit service to older adults with disabilities and low incomes. These programs do not include rides to visit friends or other activities necessary to maintain quality of life.

• Continued contributions of older adults to the community
  Older adults who volunteer hours of service to the community may have to reduce activities that require driving, such as Meals on Wheels home-delivered meals, or be unable to reach their volunteer sites, such as polling places or schools.

As a result, many older adults suffer from isolation, which affects both their mental and physical health. Similarly, when older adults cease driving, the loss of independence they experience may worsen their health status and confidence in their ability to care for themselves.

As the population of older adults increases, a significant number will become isolated if their communities are unprepared to address growing transportation needs. To create an atmosphere for change, communities can encourage prevention - by providing driver education, rehabilitation, and safer roads.