Secretary Benson shares resources for National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Lansing. – In recognition of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 5-9, 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.

"Every driver should prioritize safety when they get behind the wheel," said Benson. "As drivers get older, continuing education is key to ensuring that they retain safe mobility, and Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is the perfect time to take advantage of helpful available resources."

During National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Michigan.gov/AgingDriver is highlighting important information in a format designed for easy navigation. Topics include:

Monday: Anticipating changes that can affect driving

Tuesday: Family conversations

Wednesday: Screening and evaluations with an occupational therapist

Thursday: Interventions that can empower drivers

Friday: Staying engaged in the community with or without a car

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 regularly 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