Support System
By 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects one-quarter of workers in the U.S. will be 55 years or older. Join us during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (Dec. 4-8) as we work to support older drivers and continue to prioritize transportation safety in all walks of life.
Here are a couple of ways you can help. First, understand many adults 55 and over are physically fit. They are keeping their driver’s licenses longer and driving more miles than ever before – perhaps working alongside 20-somethings at your location to deliver goods on a daily basis. Yet, with age, new challenges arise for many. Vision, coordination, balance and a number of other health issues can impact work performance and the ability to drive safely.
Take steps to address those challenges. Start by reviewing health and wellness polices and training requirements at your location. Keep road safety front and center by sharing these reminders with employees regularly via your communication channels:
- Get a physical and an eye exam once a year
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review prescription and over-the-counter medications to reduce the risk of side effects, such as fatigue or dizziness, which can lead to impairment behind the wheel
- Drive distraction-free: Silence your phone, set your GPS before you depart and refrain from eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Travel on streets that are well-lit and equipped with left-turn signals
- Increase following distance to allow plenty of time for sudden stops
Finally, get these free resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase your knowledge and promote older driver safety awareness:
- Talking Points (English or Spanish)
- Physical Limitations (Driving-Related Fact Sheet)
- Driving Abilities Change as We Age (Poster)
- Drive Well Toolkit
- Learn about Driving with Vision Disorders
- Keeping Senior Drivers Independent with an Interprofessional Approach
You might also want to create your own 55-and-over driver safety checklist to add to your training portfolio. Your efforts today will lead to a better tomorrow.
Toast Responsibility
‘Tis the season for company parties and holiday gatherings. Let your employees know their families and friends can be safe from impaired-driving incidents and still have lots of fun. Share this reminder: You don’t have to serve alcohol.
Use these recipes to make mocktails instead:
- Non-alcoholic Christmas Punch
- Non-alcoholic Christmas Mimosa
- Non-alcoholic White Christmas Margarita
- Non-alcoholic Sangria
- Non-alcoholic Pomegranate Spritzer
- More spikeless punch and mocktail recipes
Last year, nearly 1,200 people were killed in crashes in Texas where a driver was under the influence of alcohol, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. That’s more than three alcohol-impaired crash deaths every day. Crash incidents spike on weekends and during high-traffic holiday travel.
As part of its Faces of Drunk Driving campaign, TxDOT shares stories to help bring these statistics to life and reinforce the importance of finding a sober ride home. Play one of these 30-second videos at your next team meeting, and then open a dialogue. How many people do you know who have been impacted by a drunk-driving incident?
After watching, be sure to discuss the obvious conclusion: Drinking and driving is not worth it. Drive sober, designate a sober driver or stay put to save lives.
‘Tis this season to give the gift of safety. Happy holidays!