The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are coming together to observe Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, December 2 to 6, 2024. With more older drivers on the road than ever before, ensuring their safety and the safety of all road users is a shared responsibility. This week highlights the need for families, caregivers, and communities to support older adults in maintaining their mobility and independence while staying safe behind the wheel.
According to the NHTSA, traffic crashes involving drivers aged 65 and older claimed 7,870 lives in 2022 – a nearly 5% increase from 2021. Tragically, this represents the highest number of fatalities since NHTSA began tracking data in 1975. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, 59 adults aged 65+ were involved in fatal traffic crashes, accounting for 16% of all roadway fatalities. These numbers reflect the challenges that come with an aging population and emphasize the importance of proactive measures to address the unique needs of older drivers.
“The statistics are a call to action. For older drivers, this means being aware of how changes in health or medications might affect driving, and for families, it means having open and respectful conversations about safety,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Staying safe on the road is a shared responsibility. Together, we can ensure that older adults stay mobile and independent while prioritizing the well-being of everyone on the road.”
In Connecticut, state law allows drivers 60 and older to take an accident prevention course and receive a minimum 5% insurance discount. For more information and a list of providers, visit portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/insurance-discounts.
“We encourage experienced drivers to take advantage of resources like an accident prevention course,” said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “Keeping your driving skills sharp and taking proactive steps will help keep you and those around you safe.”
As life expectancy and the number of older drivers continue to rise, creating a safe environment for everyone on the road requires collaboration and understanding. The CTDOT encourages families and caregivers to take simple yet meaningful steps to help their loved ones maintain their driving skills or explore other transportation options when necessary.
Here are some ways to support older drivers:
- Encourage regular health check-ups: Vision, hearing, and reaction times can change with age. Routine screenings help identify any issues that could impact driving safety.
- Discuss medications: Some prescriptions can affect alertness, reaction times, or coordination. Speak with a health care provider about possible side effects or interactions.
- Promote safe driving practices: Suggest driving during daylight hours, avoiding busy times, and sticking to familiar routes to reduce stress and improve safety.
- Explore vehicle modifications: Adaptive equipment, such as swivel seats or larger mirrors, can improve comfort and safety.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support older adults as they navigate the challenges of driving. Let’s all take action to create safer roads for everyone.
Resources are available to guide families and caregivers through these discussions. From tips on approaching the subject of driving safety to tools for evaluating a loved one’s driving skills, NHTSA offers valuable support at nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers.