For those directly engaging with older drivers, the goal should be how to best serve the individual while adhering to state driver licensing agency requirements and encouraging safe driving. This may include encouraging an older driver to get assistance in identifying changes in their driving habits or adjustments to their vehicle that will allow them to drive safely – it does not necessarily mean the person needs to stop driving immediately. Each individual ages differently and their ability to drive safely is not based on the number of years they have lived but rather on their cognitive, visual, and physical capacity. By providing older drivers access to screening and assessment information and other resources to help them plan for safe driving, you can help drivers extend their safe driving experience and effectively transition to the time when they can no longer drive. Each State has different processes for addressing older driver testing and licensure. Counter staff training should include assuring that staff understand their state policy and procedures with regard to older drivers. Below are additional resources that state driver licensing agency staff can incorporate in daily education and resource requests by family members and older drivers:
- See how an older driver with medical conditions might have problems(link is external) at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - and on the road.
- The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) video: Drivewell: What To Do When You are Concerned About an Older Driver(link is external) may help you start a conversation with an older driver you are serving.
- The American Occupational Therapy Association featured a video(link is external) you may want to display in your waiting areas during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in December.
In addition, you may want to consider having the following handouts available and educating counter staff when they may want to give them to the customers they serve.
- The ChORUS Older Drive Transportation Planning Tool is a printable handout that can be given to older drivers to explore alternatives to driving and plan for the day when they may not be able to drive safely.
- The ChORUS Older Driver Resources Handout lists a number of national and local resources that older drivers can tap into to obtain support and services.
- The Self-Assessment Caregiver Rating Tools Handout helps customers determine if a deeper conversation with their physician or another provider might be needed to ensure that they are driving safely.