DISABILITIES & DRIVING
Mobility Independence
Driving as We Age
As we all age, changes occur in our physical functioning, vision, perception, and processing abilities that could make driving unsafe. While changes are inevitable, they occur at different rates in each individual, and age alone is not a good indicator of driving skills. Most often these changes occur slowly over a long period of time, and the individual is able to compensate for minor deficits. If several skill areas are affected, or there is a sudden change in abilities due to illness or disease, driving may become impaired.
To help determine your fitment to continue driving, a driver rehabilitation specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation. The assessment should include a review of medical history and medication, vision, cognition, perception, functional ability, reaction time, and a behind-the-wheel evaluation. If it is determined that continuing to drive is appropriate for you, the driver rehabilitation specialist will help you identify what special equipment or accomodations are needed, if any.
While the goal is to maintain safe and independent driving for as long as possible, a driver rehabilitation specialist can also assist with a driving cessation plan if you choose to discontinue driving. This would include consultation on alternative transportation options and budgeting tailored to your living situation.
8 Signs an Older Adult May Need a Driver Evaluation
- Failing to observe signs, signals, or other traffic
- Requiring help or instructions from passengers
- Making slow or poor decisions
- Becoming easily frustrated or confused
- Getting lost, even in familiar areas
- Driving at inappropriate speeds (either too fast or too slow)
- Making wide turns or driving in a poor road position
- Getting in accident or near misses
Adaptive Driving Equipment
Possible Mobility Solutions for a Older Driver
Oftentimes, older adults are able to prolong safe driving with adaptive equipment and vehicle modifications. While every driver is unique, the equipment listed below is frequently used by older adult drivers whose abilities have declined due to age, illness, or disease. In addition to these items, there are more products available to help create a safe and comfortable driving experience that is customized for you.
To help you determine what solution best fits your needs, your driver rehabilitation specialist will likely have different variations of demo equipment for you to try. If a particular product is not available for you to demo, please contact a Creative Mobility Group showroom so we can facilitate a demonstration for you with your driver rehabilitation specialist.
Steering DeviceCommonly used with hand controls, a steering device attaches to a vehicle’s steering wheel to provide easier and more comfortable steering.
Secondary Control ModificationsSome drivers may require secondary control modifcations to more easily access functions such as the turn signals or windshield wipers.
Transfer AidA transfer aid, such as BraunAbility® Turny® Evo, can assist with entering and exiting the vehicle independently.
Scooter Stowage LiftIf the driver utilizes a mobility aid, such as scooter, a stowage lift can assist with transporting it.
Wheelchair Accessible VanIf the driver uses a power wheelchair, a wheelchair accessible van may be needed.
Resources
Additional Resources for Aging Drivers
The organizations listed below can provide more resources and information for aging drivers. If you’d like more information on driving with adaptive equipment or modifying your vehicle for accessibility, contact The Creative Mobility Group!
Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED)
ADED — The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists is a professional organization that represents individuals who specialize in working with individuals with disabilities to evaluate their driving skills and provide rehabilitation services. The mission of the ADED is to promote safe and efficient mobility for individuals with disabilities through education, advocacy, and the advancement of the driver rehabilitation specialist profession.
The organization provides its members with a variety of resources and opportunities, including educational events and workshops, a professional certification program, a peer-reviewed journal, and access to a network of professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of driver rehabilitation. ADED also works with government agencies and other organizations to advance policies and programs that support the needs of individuals with disabilities who require driver rehabilitation services.
National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
NMEDA stands for the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. It is a non-profit trade association that represents businesses in the United States and Canada that sell and service wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive mobility equipment.
The mission of NMEDA is to promote safe and reliable wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. They work to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the best mobility solutions and to support their independence and quality of life.
NMEDA members include mobility dealers, manufacturers, and rehabilitation professionals who work together to provide customized solutions for individuals with disabilities. They provide education, training, and certification programs to ensure that their members have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality products and services to their customers.
Additionally, NMEDA engages in advocacy efforts to promote policies and regulations that support the needs of individuals with disabilities. They work to improve access to transportation and to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of society.
Safe Drivers Smart Options
As an initiative from the State of Michigan, Safe Drivers Smart Options provides resources for active older drivers, and for drivers who may be considering limiting their driving and finding other transportation choices including Michigan's Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families.