NYSOFA and DMV Share Tips and Resources For Older Driver Safety A...

In recognition of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week taking place December 2-6, the New York State Office for the Aging and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles offer tips and resources for older drivers, their families and caregivers. Being proactive about safe driving skills is critical to ensuring older driver safety and helping older adults maintain independence to stay active and engaged in their community.

Data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) shows that people age 65 and over are the most underrepresented group of drivers involved in fatal and personal injury crashes. In 2023, older drivers accounted for 23 percent of all New York licensed drivers, but were involved in only 17 percent of fatal and personal injury crashes. ITSMR crash data shows older motorists are less likely to engage in reckless driving behaviors. However, analysis shows that older drivers who are involved in crashes are more likely to be killed or suffer more severe injuries than younger drivers.

New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, "Older driver safety is a top priority and important to NYSOFA because we work to ensure older adults maintain their independence, socialize and engage in their communities. If you're a family member or caregiver of an older adult driver, encourage them to keep up with their driving skills and to learn about new traffic patterns, vehicle features, and traffic laws. Lastly, help maintain safe driving skills by taking a point and insurance reduction driver improvement course like AAA's RoadWise driver program. "

Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said "Making sure that older drivers and their families have the right resources to make informed decisions about their or their loved one's ability to drive is crucial to the safety of everyone on our roads. These can be difficult decisions to make, so together with the NYSOFA, we have developed programs and resources that can guide New Yorkers and make sure everyone stays as safe as possible."

Decisions about ability to drive should never be based on age alone but. Instead, it is important to accurately assess age-related changes so that the driver can adjust driving habits to remain safe on the road or choose other kinds of transportation.

Tips for Adjusting Driving Habits

• Drive in daylight hours and not at dawn, dusk, or at night when it is more difficult for a driver to see at these hours.
  
• Avoid "rush hours" and other peak traffic hours.
  
• Use roads that you know well and avoid roads you do not know well.
  
• Take shorter trips.
  
• Use highways that have lower speed limits.
  
• Do not try to eat or drink while you drive (eating while driving is the fourth leading cause of crashes and near-crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
  
• Do not use a cell phone or any other hand-held device while driving.
  
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review medicines-both prescription and over-the counter-to reduce side effects and interactions.

CarFit

CarFit events offer older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles "fit" them. CarFit is an educational program developed by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association, with the goal of providing drivers with information and resources to enhance their safety in the driver's seat. At a CarFit event, trained experts show drivers how to enhance comfort, safety and fit within their vehicle. For more information on free CarFit events, visit https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/carfit-free-safety-program-older-drivers.

Offices for the Aging and their community partners are also a resource to help older drivers, including safety assistance or alternative transportation options. To reach local assistance, call the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871; or use the online directory here.

Resources for Older Drivers

Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Older Driver Safety

DMV Older Driver Resources

AAA Senior Driver Safety & Mobility

Centers for Disease Control and Prevent: Older Adult Drivers

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Older Drivers

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