Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, observed in the first week of December, highlights the importance of keeping our roads safe for seniors. This week, from December 1–5 in 2026, focuses on the unique challenges older drivers face, such as vision, hearing, and cognitive changes. Join us in promoting resources and education to support safe driving practices for all ages. Advocate for policies that enhance driver safety and mobility for the elderly.
Want to sponsor Older Driver Safety Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Older Driver Safety Awareness Week Deals
For Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital resources and support for senior drivers. Organizations like the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the National Safety Council often highlight educational programs, driving assessments, and vehicle modifications designed to enhance safety. Look for local senior centers and community organizations to host free workshops on safe driving tips, vision screenings, and car fit programs. Insurance providers may offer information on senior-specific discounts for safe driving courses. We encourage everyone to visit official safety organization websites for the most up-to-date information and ways to contribute to older driver safety.
Platform Guide for Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OlderDriverSafetyWeek. Share educational infographics on safe driving tips for seniors.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #OlderDriverSafety. Share news articles and policy updates related to senior driving initiatives.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SeniorDriverSafety. Discuss workplace policies supporting older employees’ safe commutes.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week Hero
Dr. Morris Odell
History of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
Based on statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 44 million licensed drivers over 65. These individuals often choose driving over walking due to certain disabilities, illnesses, or lack of strength. However, it’s tragic that around 7,700 of these older drivers die in motor vehicle accidents annually, and more than 257,000 sustain severe injuries and have to visit the E.R.
Can these accidents be avoided? The answer is yes. If all drivers wear a seatbelt and take note of the required security measures, they are less likely to experience fatal injuries even if a car crash occurs. It is also important for the younger generation to follow traffic rules keeping in mind that many elders have slow reflexes due to physical ailments and may not be able to save themselves when confronted with a reckless driver.
The American Occupational Therapy Association initiated the Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in 2009. To discuss the various aspects of driving awareness for the old, they chose December as a way for families to gather and ponder driver safety. Created in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is a national professional association representing the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students. When the elderly are injured in crashes, they are often sent for occupational therapy to improve their movement, so AOTA took note of the problem and dedicated an entire week to it.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week timeline
Ads regarding road safety are published for the first time.
Scientists introduce a scientific response to auto safety problems through crash testing and analyzing the effects of collisions.
Volvo introduces the three-point seatbelt.
Congress pushes forth safety standards for new cars.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
Local businesses can support Older Driver Safety Awareness Week by hosting informational sessions or offering relevant services. Auto repair shops could provide free brake checks or tire inspections, emphasizing vehicle maintenance for senior drivers. Pharmacies might offer medication reviews to discuss potential driving impairments. Driving schools could promote specialized refresher courses for older adults, focusing on new road rules or adaptive techniques. Community centers can partner with local law enforcement or health professionals to offer vision screenings and safe driving workshops, reinforcing the message of road safety for all.
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See MoreOlder Driver Safety Awareness Week FAQs
When is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week?
In 2026, Older Driver Safety Awareness Week runs from Tuesday, December 1, through Saturday, December 5. This period emphasizes proactive measures to ensure seniors can drive safely and confidently.
How many older adults are licensed drivers in the U.S.?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were approximately 48.3 million licensed drivers aged 65 and older in the United States in 2021. This number continues to grow, underscoring the importance of ongoing safety awareness.
What are common challenges for older drivers?
Older drivers may face challenges such as age-related declines in vision, hearing, reaction time, and cognitive processing. Certain medical conditions and medications can also impact driving ability, making regular health check-ups and driving assessments crucial.
What resources are available for older drivers?
Numerous resources are available, including AARP’s Driver Safety Program, AAA’s RoadWise Driver, and local occupational therapy driving rehabilitation specialists. These programs offer refresher courses, driving assessments, and advice on vehicle modifications to enhance safety.
How to Observe Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
Host a driving session for the elderly
Teach the elderly in your town about the importance of driving safety and the measures they can take to secure themselves.
Post about it
Spread the message through social media by posting about the importance of driving safety and the problems often faced by the elderly.
Print flyers
Create awareness regarding driving safety by printing flyers and circulating them around your town. Flyers are more likely to reach the elderly faster.
5 Interesting Facts About Driving Safety
Drinking and driving laws
Enforcing these laws around the world could reduce alcohol-related crashes by 20%.
Traffic crashes deaths
More than 1,2 million people die from crashes every year.
Injuries and disabilities caused by traffic crashes
Over 50 million people become victims of crashes every year.
Drinking laws
Only 45 countries have national drink-and-drive laws that meet best practices.
Dangerous cell phones
Using a phone while driving increases your chance of crashing by 400%.
Why Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is Important
It teaches you to be safe
The week is essential since it talks about the importance of driving safety awareness and teaches one to be safe on the road.
Raises awareness of the problems the elderly face
This week plays a great role in bringing the elderly’s problems to the forefront. It also explains precautionary measures that older drivers need to take when on the road.
It is informative
The week highlights the elderly’s problems and provides solutions that we can apply to increase driving safety awareness.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 1–5 | Monday–Friday |
| 2026 | December 7–11 | Monday–Friday |
| 2027 | December 6–10 | Monday–Friday |
| 2028 | December 4–8 | Monday–Friday |
| 2029 | December 3–7 | Monday–Friday |
Social Media Tips for Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
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