Bob Ciasulli : Keeping Your Family and Elderly Loved Ones Safe on the Road

Hi, I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. The following article discusses issues related to senior driving and how you, your family, and your elderly loved ones can remain safe on the roads. Elderly driving is an issue worth discussing as both State Legislature and families argue the best course of action to keep everyone safe. Although elderly folks are the most careful and experienced driver demographic, they can and do cause harm to themselves and other motorists. Experience is one thing, but not paying attention and delayed reaction time are the main factors in accidents caused by elderly people. Safe driving can prove to be a challenge for some older drivers, though many healthy elderly individuals do drive carefully and avoid risky decisions.

Banning all older drivers from the roads is an extreme measure and not one I personally condone, but the fact is that although many older drivers are careful and competent, a number of them can’t see or hear as well as others, and can’t make quick decisions on the roads. Some states have already begun to administer driving tests for motorists over 70, with the goal to ensure the safety of the elderly drivers and other vehicles on the roads. Rhode Island requires drivers 70 years of age and older to renew their license every two years by passing a vision test. Half the states have passed restrictions on elderly drivers and require them to have their vision checked frequently. Very few, Illinois and New Hampshire included, require road tests for citizens 75 and older.

Statistics indicate that teens are more at risk then seniors, even if the seniors suffer from physical or mental problems. For instance, in the year 2008, the teen death rate was 13% out of every 100,000 drivers though only 9% for senior citizens 70 years old and older. Although not a physical condition, Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, and other diseases associated with old age do impair driving ability. There are cases where elderly individuals attempt to drive to a local store or restaurant and end up hundreds of miles away. Sometimes they can become lost and disoriented on shorter driving trips as well.

If you have an elderly friend or loved one who’s having difficulty driving, address the issue with sensitivity. The best way to tackle this issue is to confront your elderly friend, relative, or loved one and find out how they feel about their driving ability. They may feel relief when you bring it up.

If your loved one is in denial and unwilling to hand over the keys, know the warning signs and take the time to talk to them. Many seniors take it upon themselves to limit their travel as they don’t feel safe driving long distances, on highways, or in the dark. Encourage them to take a vision or driving assessment test to find out how qualified they are to drive. Engaging in a discussion can help keep them safe.

Here are signs that your elderly parent or loved one should not be on the roads:

• They have frequent fender benders, near misses, or are involved in a minor accident.


• If your loved one gets lost frequently on the road, even while driving familiar routes or if they frequently call and ask you for directions, you are right to be concerned.


• They forget to put on their turn signal, drive dangerously under the speed limit, and don’t stop at stop signs.

If your elderly loved one is competent driver, here are a few adjustments you can make to ensure his or her comfort and coordination:

• They should be sitting at least 10 inches (or more) away from the steering wheel.


• Ensure that their seat belt is resting across the hips, not the stomach, as that could result in internal injuries given an accident should occur.


• Adjust the seat belt so the top strap sits between the collarbone and shoulder.


• Re-adjust the rearview mirror so they have a clear view of the entire rear window.


• Adjust the seat so the driver’s eyeline is a few inches above the steering wheel.


• The steering wheel should be a few inches above the knee when foot is on the gas pedal.

Those small adjustments can make a difference in the safety and comfort of your loved one.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These driving tips in New Jersey are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.