[email protected]GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 1, 2025) – As part of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, December 1 – 5, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) encourages older adults and their families to take advantage of free resources to help them drive safely and maintain their independence.
“Our goal is to empower drivers with resources at every stage of life," said MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore's Highway Safety Representative. “Through education and proactive conversations, we can help families support their loved ones in maintaining safe mobility and independence."
Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that while older drivers are among the safest on the road, they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash. The U.S. population of people 65 and older grew 29% between 2012 and 2021, and fatal crashes involving this age group increased 4.7% from 2021 to 2022.
In 2024, there were more than 580 roadway fatalities in Maryland. Of those, 17% involved drivers aged 65 and older, who accounted for 8.5% of fatalities. Today, there are more than 950,000 licensed drivers aged 65 and older in Maryland, representing 22% of the state's total driving population.
MVA's Highway Safety Office is committed to keeping Maryland's older drivers safe and confident behind the wheel. A variety of free programs are available to help older adults adapt their driving habits and vehicles as they age. One such program, "Driving Safely as We Age," is available for senior centers, 55+ communities and other local groups. The one-hour session explores age-related changes that can impact driving, the effects of medications and practical adjustments to improve comfort, safety and confidence behind the wheel. The program is a natural tie-in to another free hands-on offering called
CarFit, where a trained technician guides the driver through twelve key areas to ensure their safest fit within their own vehicle.
Additionally, the
MyCarDoesWhat program helps drivers understand and use modern vehicle safety technologies such as automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance to make every trip safer and easier.
Families and caregivers play an essential role in helping older drivers stay safe and maintain their independence. They are encouraged to:
- Schedule regular vision, hearing and health checkups. Changes in eyesight, hearing or medical conditions can affect driving.
- Adjust driving habits. Avoid nighttime or bad weather driving and plan trips during daylight hours.
- Keep vehicles comfortable and well-maintained. Adjust seats and mirrors for better visibility and control and stay current on maintenance.
- Learn and use new safety technologies. Utilize modern vehicle features, such as blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking.
- Stay mentally sharp and alert. Limit distractions, stay focused and consider a driver refresher course.
- Plan for the future with empathy. Discuss alternative transportation options early, before driving becomes difficult. Approach conversations about reducing or retiring from driving with understanding and sensitivity, so safe and confident decisions can be made together.
For more information, visit ZeroDeathsMD.gov/Older and learn more about aging, health and driving.