Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: North Bethesda, MD (December 5, 2022) — Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (ODSAW) is held annually in the first week of December by the American Occupational Therapy Association to raise awareness of the many resources available to older drivers and their families to promote safety behind the wheel. “The most frequent request I get is ‘what do I say’ if I’m asked about driving, or people share worries for a loved one. What we know is there is no single resource or test that fits for all. ODSAW is our opportunity to raise awareness of the range of resources, from understanding what to watch for to where to go for answers. Occupational therapy practitioners will explore and find solutions that may assist you,” says Elin Schold Davis, OTR/L, CDRS, FAOTA, AOTA occupational therapy practitioner who specializes in community mobility and aging-in-place.
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 5–9, 2022), AOTA and occupational therapy practitioners put a special emphasis on supporting older drivers in making informed decisions in their driving journey. From having conversations with family members to planning for the safest transportation options, occupational therapy plays a critical role in helping older drivers remain independent and mobile.
This video provides simple tips and an overview of the program.
December is a time when many families come together, and a good time to approach this topic with loved ones. As we age, we may experience physical and mental changes such as slower reaction time, night blindness, and pain and stiffness that impact our ability to drive safely. When these changes happen, families can look to occupational therapy for information and support. Just as we plan for finances and housing changes in retirement, it's important to plan for transportation needs for seniors.
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, AOTA shares resources and solutions to help older adults make the best choices for participation in community. Driving is recognized as the most desired form of mobility on the road and occupational therapy providers are available to support making the best decision for each individual.
Occupational therapy supports the aging driver as they navigate changes from aging and imposed by health conditions. ODSAW was created in 2011 by AOTA to raise awareness for consumers and providers alike. Many national and state agencies, programs and service providers also participate to support older drivers, including The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.)
NHTSA is duly concerned that traffic crashes involving drivers 65 years old and older are again on the rise. They report, “In 2020, the number of people 65 and older made up 17% of all traffic fatalities.” But even with medical or physical changes, adjustments and adaptations can be made that allow for safe driving and when that's no longer an option, occupational therapy can help explore alternative transportation paths.
Community Outreach
Among community programs that are highlighted this week is CarFit, an educational program developed in collaboration with AAA, AARP, and AOTA that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles "fit" them. This free and confidential event uses a 12-point checklist to ensure that each driver’s car is adjusted properly for the best “fit,” and that the safety features of the vehicle are explained, increasing the safety of the driver in the vehicle. The program also provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance their safety as drivers, and/or increase their mobility in the community.
The Role of Occupational Therapy
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is a national membership organization and resource for more than 230,000 occupational therapists in the United States.
Occupational therapy practitioners have the science-based knowledge to understand progressive conditions and life changes that can affect driving. AOTA, with support from of the NHTSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation, continues to emphasize the need for occupational therapy’s presence in injury prevention, the prevention of driving disability, and driving safety.
Of the more than 220 million licensed drivers in the United States, almost 1 in 5 are over 65 years old. While there are more than 40 million over-65 drivers, there are fewer than 10 million licensed teenagers behind the wheel—fewer teenage drivers today than at any point since the government began tracking driver’s license data back in 1963.
For more information on CarFit or an event near you, please visit www.car-fit.org.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 230,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. Occupational therapy practitioners facilitate participation in everyday living for people of all ages. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in North Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, visit www.aota.org.
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To interview Elin Schold Davis, OTR/L, CDRS, FAOTA, AOTA occupational therapy practitioner who specializes in community mobility and aging-in-place, contact AOTA's Communications team, at praota@aota.org.