National Impaired Driving Prevention Month for Seniors and Their Families

samsha.gov

December marks National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and encourage safer road habits. While impaired driving often brings to mind younger drivers or alcohol-related incidents, it is a critical issue for senior citizens and their loved ones as well. Understanding how impairment affects older adults and taking steps to promote safe driving can protect seniors, their families, and the community.

Why Impaired Driving Matters for Seniors

Impaired driving means operating a vehicle under the influence of substances or conditions that reduce a person's ability to drive safely. For seniors, impairment can come from various sources beyond alcohol, including prescription medications, medical conditions, and fatigue. Age-related changes in vision, reaction time, and cognitive function can also increase the risk of accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), older drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes per mile driven compared to middle-aged drivers. While seniors often drive more cautiously, impairment can negate these safety habits. Families should recognize that impairment is not limited to illegal substances but includes any factor that affects driving ability.

Common Causes of Impaired Driving Among Seniors

• Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Many seniors take medications that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reaction times. Combining multiple drugs can increase these effects. For example, some painkillers, sleep aids, and antihistamines can impair driving skills.

• Alcohol Use

Even small amounts of alcohol can affect older adults more strongly due to changes in metabolism. Drinking and driving remains a risk factor for seniors.

• Medical Conditions

Conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia can impact coordination, judgment, and alertness. Sudden episodes like hypoglycemia can also impair driving unexpectedly.

• Fatigue and Vision Changes

Older adults may experience fatigue more quickly or have difficulty seeing at night or in poor weather, increasing the risk of impaired driving.

How Families Can Support Safe Driving

Families play a vital role in promoting safe driving habits and preventing impaired driving among seniors. Here are practical steps loved ones can take:

Open Conversations About Driving Ability

Discuss driving openly and respectfully. Many seniors fear losing independence and may resist conversations about driving safety. Approach the topic with empathy, focusing on safety and quality of life rather than restrictions.

Monitor Medication Effects

Help seniors review their medications with healthcare providers to understand side effects that could impair driving. Encourage reporting any new symptoms like dizziness or confusion.

Encourage Regular Health Checkups

Routine vision and hearing tests, cognitive screenings, and physical exams can identify issues that affect driving. Early detection allows for adjustments or interventions.

Plan Alternative Transportation Options

Offer alternatives such as rides from family members, community shuttles, or ride-sharing services. Planning ahead reduces the temptation to drive when impaired or unsafe.

Set Clear Boundaries and Rules

Agree on driving limits, such as avoiding night driving, bad weather, or long trips. Establishing these boundaries helps seniors maintain safe driving habits.

Community Resources and Programs

Many communities offer programs tailored to senior drivers, including:

• Driver Safety Courses

Programs like AARP’s Smart Driver Course teach seniors how to adjust driving habits and stay safe on the road.

• Medication Management Clinics

Some pharmacies and clinics provide medication reviews focused on driving safety.

• Transportation Services

Local transit agencies may offer discounted or specialized transportation for seniors.

Families should research and connect seniors with these resources to support safe mobility.

Recognizing When It’s Time to Stop Driving

Deciding when to stop driving is difficult but essential for safety. Warning signs include:

• Frequent close calls or accidents

• Difficulty following traffic signs or signals

• Getting lost on familiar routes

• Slow reaction times or poor judgment

• Physical challenges like difficulty turning the head or pressing pedals

  
  

If these signs appear, families should gently encourage seniors to consider stopping driving and explore alternative transportation.

Promoting Awareness During December

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month offers a chance to raise awareness about these issues. Families can:

• Share information about medication safety and impaired driving risks

• Attend local events or workshops on senior driving safety

• Encourage seniors to take driver safety courses

• Advocate for community transportation options for older adults

  
  

By focusing on seniors during this month, communities can reduce impaired driving risks and keep roads safer for everyone! If you are interested in home care as part of your transportation solution when an aging loved one ceases driving, call Total at 219-937-2811.