FDOT’s Safe Mobility for Life Coalition Recognizes Older Driver Awareness Week

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Safe Mobility for Life Coalition is partnering with organizations nationwide to recognize Older Driver Safety Awareness Week December 4–8. Florida has the second-highest percentage of residents aged 65 or older in the nation. As the state’s population continues to grow at unprecedented rates, connecting Floridians with beneficial resources is important to help achieve safe mobility for life.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is intended to help Floridians realize that "You Hold the Keys" to a safe, mobile, and independent transportation future. Many resources are available to assist older adults to be proactive about safe driving skills and intentionally plan for quality of life beyond the driver’s seat. FDOT’s Safe Mobility for Life Coalition continues to work together with community, state, and national partners to provide older drivers, as well as their family and caregivers, with resources that will improve their safety, access, and mobility.

On Wednesday, December 6, an inaugural Older Driver Safety Awareness Day is being held in Tallahassee in partnership with the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy, AARP Florida, and FDOT’s Safe Mobility for Life Coalition. The event includes expert panelists, including representation from the Department of Elder Affairs, who will share useful information and resources to relay the impact aging has on driving, how to be proactive about safe driving skills, and transportation planning options to benefit older adults and their families or caregivers.

Beneficial tips and information are available to reaffirm and promote safe driving skills for older drivers and mobility independence:

• Understand the impact aging has on driving with Florida’s Guide to Safe Mobility for Life, including age-related changes that impact driving skills, Florida licensing and identification requirements, and conditions and medications that may affect driving.
• Be proactive about safe driving skills with materials from FDOT’s Safe Mobility Resource Center, including guidance for safe mobility for life, car-fit information, and transportation options beyond driving.
• Plan for continued independence and a safe transition from driving by creating a personal transportation plan, engaging in conversations about driving concerns, and exploring age-friendly community options to meet mobility needs.

Older drivers throughout Florida can hold the keys to a safe transportation future. For additional information and materials, visit SafeMobilityFL.com/ODSAW23.htm. To learn how to create safer, more accessible, and mobile options within Florida’s communities to empower older drivers, visit SafeMobilityFL.com/CommunityPartners.

For more information about the Safe Mobility for Life Coalition, visit SafeMobilityFL.com.