Staying safe behind the wheel: Driving challenges as you age

18 Jul 2025

Driving plays a crucial role in maintaining independence, freedom, and connection to the community. For many older adults, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about continuing to live life on your own terms. However, as we age, natural changes in our bodies and minds can start to impact our ability to drive safely.

At Supportive Occupational Therapy Services, we work closely with older drivers and their families to ensure that safety, confidence, and independence go hand in hand. Here are some of the common driving challenges that can arise with age, and what can be done about them.

1. Slower reaction times

As we get older, it’s normal for reflexes and processing speeds to slow down. This can make it more difficult to respond quickly to sudden changes on the road, such as a pedestrian stepping out, unexpected traffic, or needing to brake suddenly.

What helps:

Regular driving in less complex environments
Avoiding peak traffic times
Practicing hazard perception and safe driving strategies

2. Changes in vision and hearing
Eyesight and hearing often decline with age, and these senses are critical for safe driving. Reduced peripheral vision, difficulty seeing at night, or trouble hearing horns and sirens can all increase risk on the road.

What helps:

Regular eye and hearing checks
Avoiding night driving if vision is affected
Using wide-angle mirrors or hearing aids if recommended

3. Physical limitations
Physical changes can make it harder to turn the head, check blind spots, steer smoothly, or move between pedals quickly. Arthritis, previous injuries, and reduced strength can all affect how comfortably and safely someone can operate a vehicle.

What helps:

Vehicle modifications like spinner knobs or pedal adjustments
Gentle physical therapy or home exercises
Choosing cars with automatic transmission, parking assist, or other supportive features

4. Cognitive changes
Mild memory issues or early signs of cognitive decline can affect judgment, decision-making, or the ability to follow complex directions, especially in unfamiliar areas. For those with dementia or other neurological conditions, these challenges may progress over time.

What helps:

Early assessment and monitoring by healthcare professionals
Limiting driving to familiar routes during daylight
Having open conversations with family and professionals

5. Medication side effects
Many older adults take medications that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or slowed reactions. Even common medications for blood pressure, sleep, or pain can have side effects that impair driving.

What helps:

Reviewing medication with a GP or pharmacist
Being mindful of how medications make you feel before driving
Not driving when starting new medications until you know how your body reacts

How We Can Help

At Supportive Occupational Therapy Services, we provide professional Occupational Therapy Fitness to Drive Assessments tailored to each individual’s needs. Our goal is to support safe, confident driving for as long as possible and to help clients explore alternatives when driving is no longer the best option.

Whether you’re noticing changes in your driving ability or are concerned about a loved one, we’re here to offer expert advice, evidence-based assessments, and compassionate support.