Car with question mark

Staying safe behind the wheel: What to watch for as we age

⏱ 6 min video

Driving safely is a key part of staying independent, but changes in health and ability can sometimes make it harder to stay safe behind the wheel. In this short video, learn how to recognize the warning signs of unsafe driving, explore how health conditions may affect driving ability, and learn what you can do—whether for yourself or someone you care about.

 

 

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Chapter markers:

  • 00:00 Warning signs
  • 01:09 Medical conditions and behind-the-wheel abilities
  • 01:37 Cognition
  • 02:16 Vision and hearing
  • 03:32 Flexibility, movement, and strength
  • 04:46 Medications

If you’d like to learn more about planning and exploring practical alternatives to driving, take our 15-minute interactive e-learning lesson.

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References

The content of this resource was informed by several evidence-based resources on the Portal, including the McMaster Optimal Aging Video Post 'Driving: The super-activity of daily living?’ and the Canadian Medical Association’s best practice guideline on determining medical fitness to operate motor vehicles. These resources were critically appraised and synthesized by the authors. Some sources – such as the CMA driver’s guide – also conduct their own rigorous evidence review process. The content of the e-learning lesson was reviewed and assessed for accuracy by our subject matter experts in rehabilitation science and medical psychiatry. There are no conflicts of interest. Instructional design of the e-learning used best practices in evidence-informed multimedia learning. A panel of end-users reviewed the content and provided feedback on their user experience.

If you have questions or comments related to this resource, please contact us at info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org.

References

  1. McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Driving: The super-activity of daily living? (2021 Nov 24). Accessed November 24, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/videos/2021/11/24/driving-the-super-activity-of-daily-living?
  2. Canadian Medical Association. CMA driver’s guide: Determining medical fitness to operate motor vehicles. 9.1 edition. Joule Inc.; 2019.  
  3. Kuspinar, A., Verschoor, C., Beauchamp, M. et al. Modifiable factors related to life-space mobility in community-dwelling older adults: results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. BMC Geriatr. 2020;20(35). doi:10.1186/s12877-020-1431-5
  4. Cox AE, Cicchino JB. Continued trends in older driver crash involvement rates in the United States: Data through 2017-2018. J Safety Res. 2021;77:288-295. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2021.03.013
  5.  Raven, Andres. Age of Independence. CAA Magazine. Winter 2020. Accessed Oct 30, 2021. Available from: http://emag.totembrandstories.com/i/1307038-caa-sco-win20-do/19?. Accessed November 24, 2021.
  6. Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Renew a G driver’s licence: 80 years and over. Updated December 2, 2021. Accessed December 2, 2021. (2013 Jun 5). Accessed October 30, 2021. Available from: https://www.ontario.ca/driving-and-roads/renew-g-drivers-licence-80-years-and-over
  7. McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. What does drawing clocks have to do with driving cars? Tests of cognitive skills that can flag older drivers who may be unsafe behind the wheel. (2016 May 25). Accessed October 30, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2016/05/25/what-does-drawing-clocks-have-to-do-with-driving-cars-tests-of-cognitive-skills-that-can-flag-older-drivers-who-may-be-unsafe-behind-the-wheel ?
  8. McMaster Optimal Aging Portal. Alternatives to the car. (2020 Aug 26). Accessed Oct 30, 2021. Available from: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2020/08/26/alternatives-to-the-car

DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).