A common concern for older adults and their caregivers is their ability to continue driving. Driving is an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL), that gives individuals a sense of freedom, confidence, and independence.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December, 2nd-6th, brings awareness to keeping older adults safe while driving. Reports show that from 2021 to 2022 there was a 6-percent increase in the number of people 65 and older killed in traffic crashes (Traffic Safety Facts, 2024).
Occupational therapy driving risk assessments are designed to evaluate an individual’s ability to drive safely and effectively, particularly after an injury, illness, or age-related decline. Here are key components of the assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation
An occupational therapist will collect information from the client such as medical history and complete physical and cognitive assessments to assist with determining one’s abilities to continue driving.
2. On-Road Evaluation
A specifically trained occupational therapist will complete an on-road driving test to examine driving performance and reaction to hazards.
3. Adaptive Equipment Assessment and Recommendations
An occupational therapist can make recommendations to the client that can allow the individual to continue driving safely. A few ideas might include adaptive equipment within the car such as extended mirrors, taking less-traveled routes, and removing distractions from the vehicle. An occupational therapist will make recommendations specific to the client factors that are limiting the individual. Based on the information found in the evaluations, an occupational therapist can make recommendations on whether an individual is safe to continue driving or not.
These assessments help ensure that individuals can drive safely, protecting themselves and others on the road.
Resources: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813616
National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2024, August). Older population: 2022 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 616). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
