Law Enforcement

Older drivers want to drive safely and are not opposed to fair and unbiased evaluations. The law-enforcement community can play an integral part in assessing older-driver capability. It can collaborate with community organizations and government agencies by providing materials, training, information programs and self-assessment techniques for the older driver.

Law-enforcement officers analyze a steady flow of cues in any traffic encounter. Older drivers ages 65 and older present a mix of operational mobility cues. A dialogue with the person, as well as visual cues, will assist in determining if the person will require further evaluation of driving mobility.

Screening

Example - Screening Cues for Driving Safety

Interventions

Officers can effectively intervene as concerned representatives of the community because many older citizens trust police officers. To help a driver steer clear of harm's way on the road, law-enforcement officers can offer the following:

• Provide a referral to a local assistance agency that coaches and counsels older citizens on safe operational mobility or recommends other mobility options
• Recommend certain types of driving restrictions (nighttime, inclement weather, interstate driving)
• Encourage self-assessment
• Offer driver refresher courses
• Cite drivers who are violating traffic laws
• Follow up with a service provider to ensure that the older driver's culture or language is considered

• Act as a trusted authority in evaluating driving safety
• Support legal efforts to appropriately restrict or remove driving privileges
• Seek information and assistance on the health and mobility situation of the older driver

• Offer the assistance of the law-enforcement community in safe operational mobility-learning exercises