Learning to drive, obtaining your licence, and buying your first car are deemed big milestones by many. From helping people complete errands around town to checking cross-country road trips off their bucket list, driving can symbolize freedom, mobility, and a sense of control over one’s life. Given its importance in the lives of millions of Canadians, it’s no surprise that 26% of older adults reported the desire to keep their licence all the way into their mid- 80s and beyond (1).
Unfortunately, older adults are at an increased risk of being involved in car accidents, as well as dying or being seriously injured in them. In 2022, older adults in Canada aged 65+ accounted for almost 23% of all deaths from car crashes, more than any other age group, and about 15% of all serious injuries, only second to those aged 25-34 (2;3).
So, how can older adults fulfill their desire to remain on the road but do so safely? A novel systematic review undertook the task of assessing whether driver training can play a role in decreasing car crashes and boosting driving skills in generally healthy community-dwelling older adults aged 65+. Here, driver training referred to on-road training plus education or off-road training involving elements like cognitive training, video training, and use of a driving simulator (4).
What the research tells us
The review demonstrated that driver training has the potential to be a valuable strategy for older adults!
Frist, it appears that driver training may reduce car crashes in this population. Although, this positive finding needs to be grounded in the fact that it was based on just two studies. Second, driver training may boost driving skills. Even better, the review was able to investigate the effectiveness of specific training program features for skill enhancement. It turns out that on-road training programs are best, as are programs lasting 3+ weeks for a total of 3+ hours distributed over 3+ training sessions. Further research will expand the evidence base and lend more support to the findings (4).
Older adults with concerns about their driving abilities or interest in continuing to drive should consult with their healthcare team about how their health status may be impacting their driving and ways to address any issues, seek out training programs and assistive technologies, and ensure they are up-to-date and meeting any rules/standards related to the maintenance of their licence.
