AOTA’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week—Wednesday: Driving Equipment and Adaptation
By Stephanie Yamkovenko
A main goal of AOTA’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is to provide information, facts, and strategies so that we can facilitate the safety of our aging family members, friends, and neighbors.
After an older adult has had a conversation with his or her family and participated in a driving screening or evaluation, the next step is often making adjustments to one’s vehicle to promote safe driving. The older driver can work with an occupational therapy practitioner to explore ways to make driving safely an option for as long as possible.
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AOTA’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week runs from December 5 to 9.
- Find articles on each day’s topic—Monday: Family Conversations; Tuesday: Screening and Evaluation; Wednesday: Driving Equipment and Adaptations; Thursday: Taking Changes in Stride; Friday: Life After Driving
- Click here for all AOTA Resources on Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.
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“It is important to make changes that match the normal changes that occur as we age,” says Chad Strowmatt, OT/L, CDRS. “In some cases, the person has lost some bone density and sits lower in the seat than they did before. Having a seat that can be raised to a height appropriate for proper eye level will allow the driver to have a clearer picture of the entire driving environment and be in a better alignment for the safety equipment on the vehicle, such as seat belts and air bags.”
Other solutions for aging drivers include tire pressure sensors, traction control sensors, back up cameras, seat cushions, hand controls, and height adjustable gas pedals. An occupational therapy practitioner trained in driving rehabilitation can discuss adaptive equipment and other adaptations that will enhance safe driving.
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The driving equipment does cost money, and an occupational therapy practitioner can suggest means of payment and reimbursement. “If the person is still working, a common method is to enroll in vocational rehabilitation programs in their state to help them maintain transportation options for employment,” says Strowmatt. “Another possible option, if a person is a veteran, is their local Veterans Administration Hospital Driving Program.” Strowmatt also suggests that older drivers and their families look into mobility equipment dealers and local automobile dealerships.
Older drivers can participate in free, community-based programs called CarFit designed to provide quick and comprehensive checks on whether a driver’s vehicle is adjusted for his or her optimum safety. An occupational therapy practitioner is on site during CarFit events to recommend potential solutions to make the vehicle safer for the driver. You can learn more about CarFit here.
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