Transportation and Safety Organizations

National Safety Council

The National Safety Council (NSC) and local branches operating under its umbrella are sources for information about the NSC-approved motor-vehicle accident-prevention courses.

The AAA has several local offices that support the Safe Driving for Mature Operators Driving Improvement Programs. Participants receive valuable tips on safety involving good visual habits, road communication (signs, turn signals and horn use), speed adjustment that match road conditions, response to driving emergencies, and car maintenance. Many insurance companies provide discounts to their clients who participate in the driver refresher course.

Local Driving Schools

In some states, driving schools hire state-certified instructors experienced with older or disabled people to provide an impartial behind-the-wheel evaluation. Instructors do not automatically recommend loss of license if the driver performs unacceptably. A certified instructor creates a written report (sometimes even a videotape) detailing the performance. The report documents the need for remedial instruction or recommends driving retirement. However, driving-school instructors and driver educators often lack the medical knowledge that driving-rehabilitation specialists bring to the evaluation.

Driving Alternatives

While this module focuses on the older-adult driver and whether he or she should remain on the road, it is impossible to address this topic adequately without considering the transportation options available in the community and whether those options meet the needs of the older population.

Communities may opt to adapt existing transportation equipment and programs to meet the needs of older adults. Examples include:

• Altering or modifying routes to make them more convenient for older adults
• Adding pickup and delivery locations and times (such as evening transportation)
• Linking with volunteer groups
• Providing financial incentives
• Recognizing the importance of nonessential as well as essential rides
• Distributing information that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for all local community members

There are also innovations in public-transit vehicles that make them more accessible for older riders. Some community transportation providers have purchased buses that kneel, lowering steps to the curb.

Some paratransit programs, also called dial-up programs, provide door-to-door (in addition to curb-to-curb) service, helping with packages or even assisting with wheelchairs.

Taxi-voucher programs and public-transit organizations have developed driver-sensitivity-training programs to improve the relationship between paid drivers and older adults.¹⁷

¹⁷ Kerschner.