Plan ahead
Take responsibility for your driving
If you’ve done the Think About Your Driving Review [PDF] tried the Practice Knowledge Test and used the Safe Driving Checklist [PDF], you know where you stand. It’s time to make a plan to help you adapt to the changes you are facing.
Use the information you have learned to help you make safe choices about your driving and develop your plan. Commit to making some changes to improve your driving or limit your driving under certain conditions. Or, if it’s appropriate, consider stopping driving.
Print and use our Mature Drivers Planning Ahead Worksheet [PDF].
Stopping driving
Most of us will live longer than earlier generations. But, the reality is that most of us will eventually have to stop driving. Some of us will take responsibility for taking this step ourselves, while others will wait until we are required to stop driving.
Start thinking about the available alternatives to driving.
You are not alone
Facing any of life’s changes can be difficult. Thoughts of losing your independence and freedom can be frightening. But you are not alone. Talk with other seniors about how you feel and you will no doubt find that there are others in the same situation. Talk to family members and friends – let them know about your concerns and ask them for their help and support. Remember that your safety and the safety of other road users has to be the number one consideration.
Stay connected
It’s important for you to remain active and connected no matter how you choose to get around. Whether you modify your driving habits to help you be safer behind the wheel or you decide to use other forms of transportation, you can still socialize with friends, visit family members, do your shopping, run errands and get to important appointments. Isn’t that really the most important thing?
Communicating with others is the key. Planning ahead will help you adapt to the changes you are facing.