CHP: Helping keep California's older drivers safe

December 3-7, 2018 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week and the California Highway Patrol is joining with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to bring awareness of programs and challenges as drivers age.

According to the AOTA, with increasing age come changes in physical, mental, and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s continued ability to drive safely. Family and friends play a major role in identifying changes in driving behavior and beginning discussions about older driver safety. It is important to start these conversations early and discuss any needed changes in driving habits before it becomes a problem, allowing older drivers to be actively involved in the planning.

“Driving also means independence and the thought of losing that can be troublesome for many,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “As a friend or family member, having the discussion with an aging driver about how long it is safe for them to continue driving can be difficult, but it is necessary.”

Last year, more than 3,400 fatal collisions were recorded in California. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates drivers aged 65 and older were involved in 13.5 percent of the fatal collisions in California in 2017.

As part of their efforts to help California’s seniors drive safely for as long as they can, the CHP offers a free, two-hour Age Well, Drive Smart course. Through this program, seniors can sharpen their driving skills, refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, and learn how to adjust to typical age-related physical and mental changes. Information about the free class is available at CHP Area offices throughout the state or at www.chp.ca.gov.

The South Lake Tahoe office is located at 2063 Hopi Avenue in Meyers, (530) 577-1001.