Secretary Benson shares resources for National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

In recognition of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 4-8, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is reminding residents that resources are available through the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) for residents to educate themselves on safe driving at any age.

Benson encourages older Michigan drivers and their family members to take advantage of available resources at Michigan.gov/AgingDriver.

“Safe driving is essential at any age, but aging drivers and their loved ones have unique questions and considerations, said Secretary Benson. "The Safe Drivers Smart Options: Keys to Lifelong Mobility website helps aging drivers stay safe behind the wheel, retain their independence, and remain active in their communities. National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to take advantage of these helpful resources.”

The Safe Drivers Smart Options website, Michigan.gov/AgingDriver, contains resources and information to educate, empower, and guide older drivers and their families to plan for their safe transportation and embrace the value of the occupation of driving and community mobility as essential to help them stay engaged in the community.

Recognized for excellence by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the website was developed through a collaboration of public and private agencies to promote safety and mobility for Michigan's aging adults. It includes the following resources:

• Older driver self-assessment driving tools and videos

• Links to driver refresher courses and other community supports for older drivers

• Information about how medications and health problems may affect driving and lists of resources available to drivers about when they stop driving

• Strategies for initiating conversations about when and how to transition to a non-driving lifestyle

• Procedures for referring an unsafe driver for a driver reexamination

• Information about the aspects of aging and how best to interact with older residents for audiences such as law enforcement, healthcare, and other professionals

According to May 2023 Michigan Department of State data, nearly 25% of Michigan’s 7.34 million licensed drivers are aged 65 or older. Approximately 383,000 of those drivers are aged 80 or older.