Older adults are safe drivers, they often will self-restrict their driving to avoid riskier situations such as darkness, rush hour, or unfamiliar roads. However, what cannot be avoided are the natural age-related changes that can impact the important skills needed to drive safely. While most older adults are not at-risk drivers, they can find themselves in situations where they need assistance. Law enforcement officials, who are trusted by older adults, can help an aging driver steer clear of harm's way on the road by:
- Making a referral for medical review to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles;
- Suggest they contact their local area agency on aging to connect with community resources; and
- Citing drivers who violate traffic laws.
Staying Engaged and Proactive
As a law enforcement officer, you play a critical role in keeping our roads safe and are important stakeholders of Safe Mobility for Life. You are extremely helpful when it comes to interacting with other local partners, including family members, friends, and other community agencies. Here are some ways enforcement personnel can assist:
- Act as a trusted authority in driver safety;
- Support legal efforts to appropriately restrict or remove driving privileges, when necessary;
- Seek information and assistance on the health and well-being of the older driver from loved ones;
- Conduct or assist other community agencies with safety programs or events, such as CarFit; and
- Distribute Safe Mobility for Life educational materials and resources at community events.
Helping At-Risk Aging Drivers
There are times when officer observations could indicate a potential medical condition that might affect a person's ability to drive safely.
For this reason, Safe Mobility for Life developed a Driver Medical Referral visor card to provide law enforcement officials with quick access to available information and resources. Law enforcement officers can view or download a digital version or order hard copies of the visor card through the Safe Mobility for Life Resource Center.
Education and Training
Drivers who are impaired due to alcohol or drugs are a clear danger to other drivers. However, medical impairments may cause many of the same driving behaviors. Some health problems can create dangerous driving situations such as restricted movement, limited vision, or impaired cognition.
As you patrol Florida roadways, you may notice a driver has a physical or cognitive issue that might be impeding their ability to safely operate a vehicle. It's important to recognize, identify and report a driver that may need to receive a medical referral.
In addition to the Driver Medical Referral visor cards, Safe Mobility for Life developed a training video to help law enforcement officers across the state safely respond and assist aging at-risk drivers. The 9-minute “Helping Florida's Aging Drivers Stay Safe and Mobile" roll call video will help you:
- Identify drivers who may have a medical impairment;
- Respond to these drivers; and
- Find available community resources to help them.
If you are interested in viewing this training video, email contact@safemobilityfl.com.