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Staying Confident Behind the Wheel: Safe Driving for Older Adults
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Staying Confident Behind the Wheel: Safe Driving for Older Adults
As we age, our bodies naturally change—and so do our abilities behind the wheel. Tasks that once felt effortless may require more attention and care. When mobility, strength, or reaction times shift, it’s important to approach driving with compassion, awareness, and the right support.
At the Sugar House Therapy Clinic at University of Utah Health, specialists help aging adults understand their driving abilities, recognize limitations, and explore options that support safe, confident driving. Here are their top recommendations for older drivers and their families.
1. Practice and refresh
Just like cars need regular maintenance, our bodies benefit from periodic “tune-ups.” Many age-related impairments—such as decreased strength, flexibility, or coordination—can improve with targeted therapy or simple lifestyle habits.
Marc Rosello, MS, an occupational therapist at University of Utah Health, advises older adults to regularly check in with a healthcare provider who can provide insight for what improvement might help with alertness in driving.
He recommends:
- Walking daily to support mobility and cardiovascular health
- Staying socially and mentally active to stimulate cognitive function
“A routine to keep active and moving can minimize cognitive impairment as we age,” Rosello adds.
2. Be familiar with your vehicle
Vehicle familiarity is just as important as physical readiness. This can help to improve reaction time and ensure safe operation and handling.
Rosello highlights the importance of checking seat positioning:
- Your seat should be adjusted to maintain safe distance from the steering wheel
- Your eyes should sit at least three inches above the dashboard
- Mirrors, steering adjustments, and added vehicle adaptations can improve visibility and comfort
Modern vehicles offer many features—such as backup cameras or lane assist—that can meaningfully enhance safety for aging drivers.
3. Recognize the warning signs
A decline in driving confidence or ability often appears gradually. Loved ones may notice subtle changes before the driver does.
Common warning signs include:
- Riding the brake
- Not signaling or signaling incorrectly
- Damage to car from misjudging distances
- Driving significantly below the speed limit
- Missing or ignoring road signs
- Relying heavily on a “copilot”
- Difficulty making left-hand turns
- Near misses
- Increased anxiety during night driving or rush hour
- Trouble staying in a lane or changing lanes safely
If these signs appear, it may be time to start a conversation about driving safety and potential options.
When to Seek Professional Help
If a loved one is hesitant to discuss driving changes, outside support can help.
- Physicians, occupational therapists, and programs through University of Utah Health, offer compassionate, expert assessments.
- The Adult Driving Safety Program at the University of Utah provides resources for older adults, helping them understand how age‑related changes affect vision, cognition, and physical ability while offering guidance on maintaining safe driving habits and exploring comprehensive driving evaluations when needed.
- Utah’s Yellow Dot Program is a free safety initiative that helps first responders access critical medical information after a crash.
- Your local driver’s license divisions can provide resources to guide safe decision-making.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: keep all drivers safe on the road. A professional driving evaluation provides clarity and ensures that no helpful options are overlooked.