National Safety Month: Enhancing Older Driver Safety

Image of an older driver holding her thump up, smiling

Maintain driving independence and road safety with ChORUS’ free tools and resources. 

Since 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) has dedicated June to sharing resources and safety tips to create a safer environment for all. This year's campaign will focus on safety engagement, roadway safety, risk reduction, and fall prevention. 

 

The Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety (ChORUS) invites everyone to explore our free resources and tools that help older road users, their loved ones, and professionals who work with older adults maintain road user safety. Below are resources from our website that support the National Safety Month initiatives. 

 

Safety Engagement 

By learning about and practicing safe driving habits, participating in driving assessments or refresher courses, and engaging in discussions about maintaining driving skills and road use safety, you can help yourself and others stay safe when driving, bicycling, walking, and riding in a car. The ChORUS Older Driver Guide can help you determine if you need to change driving habits, how certain medical conditions and prescriptions may affect driving, and how safe driving contributes to your health and well-being

 

Roadway Safety

Transportation planning is a significant preparation for safety during all stages of life, whether you are behind the wheel or not. The ChORUS Transportation Planning Tool is an easy way to plan and remain safe when on the road. By answering a short questionnaire, you will be on your way to building your personalized transportation plan. The plan includes a customized list of steps you can  take along with associated resources, and links.

 

Risk Reduction

While older adults are among the safest drivers on the road, they are considered some of the most vulnerable road users due to being most likely to experience an injury and longer recovery times if a crash occurs. Regularly attending doctor visits, completing driving assessments, exercising, and knowing about car safety features are great ways to reduce driving-related risks. 

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls can affect an older adult's ability to remain independent. However, remember that falls are preventable. Explore the CDC’s Fall Prevention for Older Adults webpage to learn how to reduce your chances of slipping, tripping, or falling, including the Falls Free Checkup, which can help you identify changes to make in your home.