MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY AT WORK

Employers: Use the following recommendations to develop safety and health programs that consider older drivers’ needs.

• Consider whether the work can be done without driving. Reducing the amount of driving workers do is the most effective way to prevent motor vehicle crashes.
• Set policies that allow drivers to consult with their supervisors to adjust driving hours if they have trouble seeing at night, and to stop driving if they are too tired or the weather is bad.
• Provide “refresher” driving training that includes topics such as safe-driving strategies, changes in road rules, regulations on distracted driving, and new vehicle safety features.
• Restrict driving based on assessment of actual driving ability, rather than general health status or an arbitrary age limit.
• Give workers general information about the possible effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications on their driving.

Resources for employers:

NIOSH Center for Productive Aging and Work
Learn how to promote the safety of workers of all ages and their lifelong well-being.

CDC Older Adult Drivers
Understand how the risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash increases with age and learn about prevention strategies.

Roadwise RX
Encourage workers to use this resource from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to learn how medications can affect their driving.

For a full list of recommendations and resources, download the Older Drivers in the Workplace fact sheet.

Workers: Take the following actions to stay safe while driving for work.

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about potential effects of your medications on safe driving.

• Get a thorough eye exam at least every 1-2 years, as your vision may change with age.

• Maintain good health by engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and complying with all health exams and screenings.

• Use a driving self-assessment tool to evaluate your driving.*

• Talk with your supervisor if you are having difficulty with driving, as you may need to change your driving habits.

Resources for workers:

*Roadwise Review Online
Take the AAA Roadwise Review, an interactive self-assessment tool to check your physical strength and flexibility, clarity of vision, and skill in processing what you see while driving.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Discover advice on how to talk with older drivers about safe driving.

My Car Does What
Learn about your vehicle’s advanced safety features.

For a full list of recommendations and resources, download the Older Drivers in the Workplace fact sheet.