Senior Driver Safety

Driving Safely As We Age
Senior Driver Safety | Utah Highway Safety Office

Driving Safely As We Age

Resources for Utah's Senior Drivers

The goal of the Utah Highway Safety Office is to help older adults continue to drive safely for as long as possible. Driving safely as you age requires understanding and adapting to natural physical and cognitive changes that can make driving more challenging.

Understanding Age-Related Changes

Driving is a complex task that relies on several physical and cognitive abilities, all of which change over time. Staying active and focusing on health can help you compensate for these challenges.

  • Vision: Naturally declines with age, which can affect your ability to judge distances, read road signs, and perceive objects in your peripheral vision. It is recommended that you get a thorough eye exam at least once a year.
  • Cognition: Driving relies on multi-tasking, memory, quick judgment, and fast response time. It is important to address any changes in quick thinking or decision-making immediately.
  • Physical Health: Maintaining muscle strength and flexibility through regular exercise can help you execute critical driving maneuvers, such as turning your head to check blind spots, making sharp turns, and applying the brakes quickly.
  • Medication: Always discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor to understand possible side effects, like drowsiness, that can impair your ability to drive safely.

CarFit and Vehicle Modifications

The CarFit program is a national initiative designed to help older drivers adjust their vehicles to "fit" them better, enhancing safety and comfort.

  • Adaptive Equipment: Certain car features or modifications (like seat belt extenders or pedal extenders) can be added to your vehicle to compensate for age-related changes or physical disabilities.
  • Occupational Therapist (OT): Consult with an OT to determine the best modifications for your individual needs and driving habits.

Yellow Dot Program

The Yellow Dot Program, partnered with the Utah Department of Public Safety, provides emergency personnel with vital medical information about you in the event of a collision.

  1. Participants place a yellow dot sticker on the inside of the driver's side windshield.
  2. A form containing medical history, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts is stored in the glove box.
Learn More about Yellow Dot

Evaluation and Driving Retirement

Assess your fitness to drive and explore resources for a safe and smooth transition into driving retirement.

Comprehensive Driving Evaluation (CDE)

A CDE is an objective process performed by a specialized Occupational Therapist (OT) to determine if you have the skills to continue driving safely.

  • The evaluation includes a clinical assessment (checking vision, physical, and cognitive abilities) and an on-road test.
  • An OT can provide feedback, recommend limitations (like avoiding driving at night), or suggest modifications to your driving habits or vehicle.

Driver Safety Courses and Planning

  • Defensive Driving Courses: Enrolling in a course like the AARP Driver Safety Program acts as a refresher, covering state laws, basic driving techniques, and how to compensate for age-related changes.
  • Driving Retirement: It is recommended to make a driving retirement plan with your family before the time comes to discontinue driving. An OT can help you transition from driver to passenger by providing alternative transportation resources.

Additional Resources & Contacts

Older Adult Driver Safety: For more information, visit the University of Utah Health – Trauma Program's website: adultdrivingsafety.utah.edu

Program Contact:
Katherine Hemphill, Older Driver Program Manager - Highway Safety Office
[email protected] | 801-386-2911

To Request Materials or A Free Class:
Jamie Troyer, RN
[email protected] | 801-585-2991

Yellow Dot Program Contacts

Box Elder Rhonda Merryweather
435-207-4570
Email Rhonda
Salt Lake Jamie Troyer
801-585-2991
Email Jamie
Tooele Kristen Bolinder
435-227-2454
Email Kristen
Wasatch Jonelle Fitzgerald
435-657-3260
Email Jonelle
Weber Kathy Murdock
801-778-6615
Email Kathy
Wendover Fernando Reina
775-664-2081
Email Fernando