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Keys to Safety: Why Advance Driving Directives Matter

You’ve probably heard of advance directives for medical care, but have you thought about advance driving directives (ADD)?

According to AARP, 96% of older adults are not aware of ADDs. Just as we plan for our health, it’s important to consider driving safety as we get older. The U.S. population of people aged 65 and older has jumped by 30% from 2013 to 2022, which means there are more older adults on the road. In fact, in 2022, this age group accounted for 19% of all traffic fatalities. These numbers highlight why it’s essential to have open conversations about driving preferences and safety. By tackling these discussions early, we can help our loved ones stay safe while preserving their independence behind the wheel.

What are advance driving directives?

Advance driving directives, also referred to as driver planning agreements (DPAs), are written statements that outline what someone wants regarding their driving, especially as they get older or face health challenges. For the older adult, documenting these preferences and intentions ensures they feel in control of their decisions and independence. For family members, it can make it easier to have those sometimes tricky conversations with the older adult about driving abilities. It’s all about keeping safety in mind while also respecting personal choices.

Here are five reasons to think about creating advance driving directives:

1. Promote safety: The main goal here is safety—for everyone on the road. By planning ahead, older adults can make informed choices about their driving, potentially avoiding accidents before they happen.
2. Encourage open dialogue: Having a written directive can help family members discuss driving openly. Although talking about driving can be uncomfortable, working with one of our Life Care Managers and having a plan in place makes it easier for families to address any concerns that may arise.
3. Maintain independence: It might seem like planning to stop driving—or family members wanting to take away their keys—would mean the older adult will lose independence, but that doesn’t have to happen. Older adults should explore other transportation options that still let them feel free and independent without risking their safety. For example, they can book rides through GoGo Newton, a transportation service that links riders with services like Uber and Lyft.
4. Respect autonomy: The decision to drive should belong to the individual. Advance driving directives reflect their choices while addressing safety concerns. According to an AARP study, many older adults are open to discussing their driving options, including reducing driving or exploring alternative transportation. Some even show interest in taking refresher courses to boost their skills (and possibly save money on car insurance).
5. Account for medical conditions and medications: Health issues, such as arthritis, vision and hearing loss, and the effects of medications, can significantly impact driving abilities by impairing judgment and affecting reflexes. By documenting advance driving directives, older adults can proactively address how these health conditions may affect their ability to drive safely, ensuring they have a plan in place if their circumstances change.

Advance driving directives are a valuable tool for older adults navigating the challenges of aging. By encouraging them to plan ahead and having honest conversations with them about driving, we can help our loved ones make choices that keep them safe and let them hold onto their independence.