Driver Safety Programs and Seniors

Losing the ability to drive is often a big blow to the independence of seniors. One of the most time-consuming tasks caregivers perform is driving their elderly loved one to medical appointments, the grocery store, pharmacy, and so forth.  Often, seniors are restricted by a doctor's orders due to surgery or illness, and may be unable to get behind a steering wheel for a while. Once those privileges are restored, a defensive driving safety course helps them brush up on their driving skills and gives them the confidence to drive again safely.

There are some very good reasons for seniors to enroll in driver safety courses.  Statistics show that drivers approaching 80 years of age have basically the same number of car accidents resulting in injuries as young adults under the age of 25, according to AAA.  A driving refresher course is an excellent opportunity for seniors to catch up on skills and rules that may have been forgotten. Consequently, there are a variety of safety courses dedicated to assisting seniors to learn much needed defensive driving skills.

Advantages of Driving Courses for Seniors

Enrolling seniors in a driver safety program offers multiple advantages. One is peace of mind. These courses are provided by certified agencies and provide the elderly with improved driving skills.  Another is the reduction in auto insurance premiums the participant receives upon completion of the course.  Still another is the renewal of driving confidence for a senior who has been off the road for a while.

The AARP Smart Driver Course is designed to improve and/or enhance seniors' driving skills in specific areas experts have identified as key problems for the elderly:

• Running through red lights
• Maneuvering through traffic roundabouts
• General safety: wearing seat belts, using turn signals, refraining from speeding

Toyota provided a generous 12.6 million dollar grant to AARP for the development of this important program.

The Road Wise driver safety course offered for several decades by AAA has been extremely beneficial in reducing the number of deaths from car accidents involving elderly drivers.  Most safe driving courses are available in a community classroom or online in a virtual classroom. If you or your senior loved one is unsure about how to find a course, local senior care providers may have this information handy. If you or your senior benefits from home care services, your caregiver may know where to locate safe driving classes as well.