WNTT Module 1 Overview 1

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Module Steps: Overview | Practice | Review

Topics covered in The Meaning of Driving

When you are finished with this section, you should understand what driving means to older adults and how older drivers cope with the loss of freedom and independence that can accompany the decision to stop driving.

How driving provides greater flexibility, independence and freedom to drivers of all ages
Why decisions to limit or stop driving can result in strong emotions
Why it is important to understand and validate the emotions older drivers experience
How learning about older drivers' attitudes about driving can help us determine the right approach to take

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Did You Know?

As adults age, their overall number of crashes decreases. Older adults often drive fewer miles and avoid difficult conditions, such as driving at night or in heavy traffic. Experts attribute their having fewer crashes to these changes in driving behaviors.

But aging adults, especially those who are older than 75, also have a higher risk of being involved in a collision when they get behind the wheel. Because older drivers are less able to withstand the physical trauma resulting from serious crashes, their rate of fatalities is higher, regardless of fault.