Family members, caregivers and older adults are encouraged to be proactive and discuss ways to continue driving safely as part of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is Dec. 2-6.

In 2023, 87 Kansas drivers aged 65 and older were involved in a fatal crash, while 3,927 in that age group were involved in an injury or serious injury crash, according to KDOT stats.

Older drivers face unique safety concerns including vision, reflexes and physical fitness. Declining health can affect an older driver's capacity to quickly react and increase crash recovery time. It's important to understand the impact age-related changes may have on the potential to drive safely.

"You should begin talking about safe driving with your loved ones and those you care for before difficulties are noticed," said KDOT Assistant Bureau Chief of Transportation Safety Chris Bortz. "Driving performance, not age, should determine one's ability to drive safely. By accurately assessing age-related changes, you can talk to older drivers about adjusting habits to remain safe on the road."

Planning trips during daylight hours and using less congested routes can help older drivers. It's also important to know how medical conditions and medications affect the ability to drive. Researching adapted vehicles and driver assisted technologies could be beneficial.

For more information about older drivers, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers.