"NATIONAL BLUEPRINT FOR INJURY PREVENTION IN OLDER DRIVERS" PROGRAM
Public Health Agency of Canada.
Across Canada.
Program Description
"Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the driving population and driving is vital to their independence. Yet, older driver mortality and morbidity is on the rise. The leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 65 to 75 years old in Canada today is driving-related accidents. More specifically, individuals over 75 have a 3.5 times higher crash rate compared to 35 to 44 year olds."
-olderdriversafety.ca
The "Older Driver Safety" Program is under the "National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers” Initiative and suggests the following:
There are warning signs of unsafe driving in senior drivers. Senior drivers can use the below list as a self-assessment of their driving ability.
• You lose your way
• You have less confidence in your driving skills
• You notice other drivers honk at you
• You miss stop signs or traffic lights
• You mix up gas and brake pedals
• You have problems with lane changes or merging
• You have minor accidents or traffic tickets
• Your passenger needs to help you
• Family and friends refuse to get in the car with you
Safe Driving Strategies for Seniors are covered in the program including the following topics:
Your fitness to drive
Adjusting your car
Traffic congestion
Weather conditions
What is included in a driving evaluation?
Part one: Clinical evaluation
Part two: On-road evaluation
What if physical problems exist?
What if a person is fearful of driving?
What if the person is a senior driver?
What if cognition for driving is affected?
Are driving tests mandatory after you turn 80?
How do I know that this is a valid evaluation?
Refresher Education
Alternate Transportation -options for older drivers after they stop driving and
exploring transportation alternatives such as; public transit, community shuttles, taxis, car hire services, specialized transit for seniors, volunteer drivers and community rideshare groups.
Driving retirement -There may come a time when senior drivers no longer feel safe to drive or may be told by a professional that they can no longer drive -older adults should start the transition to driving retirement and consider the mobility options that will suit their needs within their community.
The National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers provides help for senior drivers and their families in the additional resources:
Keeping on the go: Driving Safely as you age - Driving & Alzheimer's disease
Keeping on the go: Driving Safely as you age - Driving & Diabetes
Keeping on the go: Driving Safely as you age - Information for Families of Older Drivers
Keeping on the go: Driving Safely as you age - Information for Older Adults
Keeping on the go: Driving Safely as you age - Driving & Stroke
The National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers also has a special section to help professionals assess if it is safe for a senior driver to continue to drive and recommended changes adaptive devices or modifications for those who can continue to safely drive.
source:
olderdriversafety.ca