Getting your driver’s license when you’re 16 opens up a whole new world for young drivers. It’s certainly viewed as a right of passage in American culture to finally be able to hit the open road without parental supervision. Even after the wonder of driving fades, we rarely think about giving up the keys later on in life. And for some people, it may never cross their minds until they’re asked to do it. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2012, nearly 586 older adults are injured in car accidents every day. The older you get, the more likely you are to be involved in a car crash. This is particularly true for seniors over the age of 75. Even if an accident isn’t severe, seniors are much more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in situations where a younger person might walk away unharmed. Due to these factors or a diminished interest in driving, many elderly people are choosing other senior transportation options.
Senior Transportation Options
Depending on your location and physical mobility, it’s important to choose the right form of senior transportation for you. Here are a few options:
Volunteer Driver Programs
Members of your community may provide a network of one-way, round-trip, or multi-stop rides around the area. To ensure that you get to your location on-time you will normally have to make a reservation. In terms of costs, many nonprofits will offer these services for free or through a voluntary donation.
Paratransit Services
These are public transit services mostly tailored to senior transportation needs. Paratransit systems usually consist of mini-buses or vans with very flexible schedules. Most paratransit services provide curb-to-curb transportation and mobility equipment and are included with many senior care options such as assisted living or nursing homes.
Door-to-Door Escort Services
For seniors who need extra assistance, escort services ensure that seniors can safely board a vehicle and reach their destination without any issues. To find out which personal escort services may be available to you, contact your local aging organization.
The Future of Senior Transportation
Uber and Lyft
While taxi services and public transportation are still available, companies like Uber and Lyft are making it even easier for people to get around. Using a smartphone app, people can order rides from any available drivers in the area. If the driver accepts your request, their vehicle information will be displayed on your screen. The driver’s location and their estimated time of arrival will also be provided through the app. Uber and Lyft services are not ideal for tight schedules or long distance drives, but they’re a great local senior transportation option.
Self-driving cars
We can’t talk about senior transportation options of the future without mentioning self-driving cars! Some of you may have heard of about Tesla’s new model and its associated risks, but many other companies are now exploring the idea of autonomous vehicles as well. Google’s Waymo recently shuttled a man named Steve Mahan around Austin, Texas for ten minutes without a driver or even a steering wheel. Doesn’t seem that impressive to you? Here’s the kicker: Steve is completely blind. This ride would not be possible without 8 years of research and over 2 million miles of testing. After successes like these, companies like Tesla, Uber, Ford, Baidu, and General Motors are planning on releasing similar cars as early as 2021.
Senior Safety on the Road
Despite the alternatives, some seniors try to keep their keys for as long as possible. Here are some safety considerations for seniors behind the wheel:
• Schedule regular eye exams
• Try to drive during the or on well-lit roads
• Find the safest roads with the least amount of traffic
• Leave a proper following distance
• Avoid distractions like loud music, cell phone use, and eating
• Do not take any medications that may cause impairment before driving
Remember, if ever you feel unfit to drive there are plenty of senior transportation options available. For seniors that continue to drive, remember to follow the tips above to ensure your own wellbeing and the safety of other drivers. Sometimes giving up the keys can be difficult, but why work harder than you have to? Just think of it as your personal limousine or presidential motorcade – who says seniors can’t be treated like royalty?
