Statement by AARP State Affairs Director Cheryl Matheis on AMA Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers

Source: AARP Press Center |  | August 1, 2003

AARP applauds the publication of the Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers by the American Medical Association and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The guidelines are intended to enable doctors and patients to learn more about the impact of health issues on driving safely. AARP research shows that a doctor is the most credible source of advice for people who are trying to determine whether to continue driving.

A primary goal of the AMA Guide is to give physicians tools to help older drivers stay on the road safely. The guidelines can also help doctors contribute to the prevention of injury—a high priority public health goal—through counseling patients on how to address the impact of medical conditions on driving skills and capabilities. Finally, the guide provides specific mechanisms for risk assessment as well as guidance on finding mobility alternatives for those who must stop driving. We hope that the Guide will be widely disseminated and used throughout the nation's health system.

[AARP participated in the development of the AMA guidelines as part of an advisory panel.]