Driving has long signaled freedom and independence. A sign of power in youth and the last vestige of opportunity in old age, the craving to drive is a core desire for the majority of our lives. The current generation of older adults – the Baby Boomers – are the first to experience this love affair. The first generation to have access to cars throughout their lives.
Cars define the Baby Boomer generation. From self-expression to status, driving has its own cultural meaning and this generation places both practical and emotional value in a vehicle. As this group ages, they are poised to change not only the practical buying experience but the emotional attachment to the act of driving itself. They are also the first to have the opportunity to change the stigma around giving up the keys when the time is right.
What are Senior Driving Statistics in Brevard?
The total population of Brevard County, Florida is over 630,000 people, with 24.7% of those being 65 years of age or older (155,000+). Brevard ranks as #4 in the State in car accidents behind Orange, Osceola, and Miami for crashes involving people 65 years and older. Additionally, the Florida Department of Transportation cites individuals in this age group are twice as likely to be involved in fatal car crashes.
Driving expectancy is longer than ever before. With retirement years lasting longer, driving retirement may need to be considered for the first time in history. In a group of seniors interviewed by the Centers for Disease Control, half said they would stop driving in their 90s. 1 in 10 said they would never stop driving.
Changes with Increasing Age
Physical
Mental
Sensory
Motor vehicle injuries are the number one cause of death in people 65 – 74 years old. Car crashes are the second leading cause of death (after falls) for 75 – 84-year-olds. Is it possible to change these numbers with people driving well into their 90s? With older adults remaining active well into their retirement years, these risks can be acknowledged – and avoided.
How Do We Improve Senior Driving Statistics?
The first step is for seniors to be open to driving evaluation and assessment. Also, that they can be evaluated without the fear that their license will be taken away. Uncomfortable conversations about driver safety can be introduced by the caregiver with compassion and empathy. With independence on the line, adult children want to avoid an adversarial position and commit to exploring all reasonable options.
The Good News About Senior Driving
There are assessments and tools available to screen a senior’s driving ability and identify areas of concern that present a risk. By focusing on improving areas of concern and not on removing the ability to drive, older adult drivers may be more willing to participate in screenings. The good news starts with an emphasis on solutions to continue driving, if at all possible, by working together.
Reasons to Get Assessed
Recent increase in falls
General fatigue, weakness, and/or pain
Headaches, double vision, vertigo
Symptoms associated with chronic illnesses
Medications
New onset driving behaviors
How Can I Find a Senior Driving Self-Assessment?
The Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure (FTDS) was developed at the University of Florida for caregivers and/or family members of older drivers to identify risks with older drivers. If you have driven with an older driver recently and you have concerns, you can access this online screening tool. Upon completion, you receive a rating profile and recommendations for each category of driver.
Categories for FTDS Screening
At-risk driver
Routine driver
Accomplished driver
The results of this screening are confidential. Starting with a brief video, the screening quickly moves through questions about you. Next, you’ll have questions about the driver, general questions about the driver’s driving history, and questions to rate their skills. At the end of the 21-question short form, the assessment assigns a category with specific recommendations for the caregiver.
Educational Programs About Senior Driving
CarFit is a volunteer-run educational program that was developed in 2006 by AAA, along with AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). These professionals use a checklist to educate older drivers on the proper “fit” in their cars and the safety features available to them. Each driver’s car is adjusted properly. Efficiently done, the whole process takes about 20 minutes.
Did you know automobile insurance companies offer discounted rates for those who take the Mature Driver Insurance Discount Course? Saving money is a great reward for taking extra steps to be a safe driver. If you are 55 years of age or older, this course could be an eye-opener for changing any bad driving habits or identifying new concerns.
Do We Have Local Solutions for Senior Driving Safety?
If you are looking for a driving assessment in Brevard County, Florida, look no further than driver rehabilitation. From clinical testing to recommending adaptive driving equipment, you will have quick access to the information you need to improve your ability to drive. Driving Rehab Specialists want to get you behind the wheel – safely – after any injury or age-related decline.
With a physician referral and a driver’s license, you can have a Driving Rehab Specialist come to your home and assess driver safety. There is no need to worry about the outcome. Your level of driving risk will be met with the recommendations that are appropriate for you.
What to Expect from In-Person Assessment
Contact to schedule assessment with Driving Rehab Specialist
Review medical and driving history
Complete clinical assessment
Take behind-the-wheel assessment in a specially equipped company car, if recommended
There is no reason for limited mobility to keep you from driving. With proper assessment and equipment, you can keep life moving well into retirement. However, the first step depends on the willingness to embrace change and lean into the support available for seniors who want to regain skills and confidence behind the wheel.
Baby Boomers have been changing the world for decades. This could also be the generation that changes the stigma of senior drivers – accepting support to develop a plan for safe and independent driving, for as long as possible. Make the easy call – Mobile Medical Services come to you to help improve daily life, including safe driving skills to keep you – and everyone else! – safer on the road.
Educating and empowering older adults to maintain their independence are two reasons why Mobile Medical Services are a Resource We Love. Read more about the variety of services offered by Mobile Medical providers in the Resources Section of our Blog.