Explore Older Driver Resources in Montgomery County

Years of experience may make you a better driver. But changes due to aging may create new driving challenges. Take steps to ensure you are safe.

• AARP offers a refresher course for drivers 50 and older.
• CarFit enhances the “fit” between drivers and their vehicles for maximum comfort and safety. Go to car-fit.org and view the on-demand workshop.
• Maryland MVA has a wealth of stay-safe resources on its webpage.
• Roadwise Review is a home-based screening tool that measures an individual’s risk in skills important for safe driving.
• Buy the safest car you can. For safety ratings, go to Institute of Highway Safety Top Safety Picks.
• Understand safety technologies designed to save lives. Go to https://mycardoeswhat.org

Check out the County’s transportation network directory at montgomerycountymd.gov/tnd.

Changes in vision, neck flexibility, and cognition can make driving safely more difficult, as can other aging-related changes. Don’t ignore them…changing your car or how you drive can help ensure safety.  

• Maryland MVA offers information about various medical conditions and their implications for driver safety on its webpage.
• Roadwise Review is a home-based screening tool that measures risk in skills important for safe driving.
• CarFit enhances the “fit” between drivers and their vehicles for maximum comfort and safety. Go to car-fit.org.
• Check out the County’s transportation network directory at montgomerycountymd.gov/tnd.

People often think of the decision to drive as an either/or proposition. It rarely is. Drivers frequently decide to stop driving at night or on highways but continue to drive during the day on roads they find more predictable. There are also choices regarding the vehicle one chooses to drive. While it may be hard to let go of a long-loved car, purchasing a new one with modern safety features might make staying on the road longer possible. Consumer Reports and other organizations have identified vehicles with features such as: easy front-seat access; enhanced visibility for drivers of all sizes; powerful headlights; backup cameras; automatic braking; and blind spot warnings, among others. 

Still, researchers have found that older adults are likely to live six to ten years beyond their ability to drive safely. Accepting the end of driving as a side effect of living a long life can motivate a driver to begin experimenting with alternatives to driving. Staying active and connected with the community is what is important and is worth planning for.

• Based on what is written there, let’s add a bullet: “Buy the safest car you can. For safety ratings, go to  Institute of Highway Safety Top Safety Picks.
• Let’s add a bullet: Understand safety technologies designed to save lives. Go to https://mycardoeswhat.org.

• Montgomery County has a range of alternatives, from free public transportation, to volunteer programs, to discounted taxi service. For a quick review of what is available in flyer format, visit the transportation page. 
• For individualized help, call Connect-a-Ride to discuss your unique situation and get details about transportation options available in our community. 301-738-3252.

Check out the County’s transportation network directory at montgomerycountymd.gov/tnd.

• Begin the discussion-not one conversation, but many. But planning ahead of time for an effective conversation is a must. Help is available:
• AARP offers a free online seminar with distinct modules called We Need to Talk that will help you determine how to assess your loved ones’ driving skills and provide tools to help you have this important conversation: We Need to Talk .
• The Hartford publishes a different version in booklet form. We Need to Talk…Family Conversations with Older Drivers is available online.