“Keys to Safe Driving” is a series of five, free programs to be presented by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) during Older Driver Safety Week from Dec. 3 to Dec. 7.
The sessions are sponsored by the department’s Older Driver Coalition. Each will explore concerns of older drivers, risk factors and steps that older drivers and their families should take to ensure safety. The programs will also discuss the sensitive subject of when it is time to stop driving, and what alternative transportation services are available if a senior does decide to relinquish the keys.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino said it is crucial that seniors know what to do behind the wheel to protect both themselves and others.
“I encourage seniors and family caregivers to attend this valuable program,” Astorino said. “Being able to drive can give seniors enormous mobility and enhance their quality of life. However, we want to make sure everyone is safe.”
Occupational therapy students from Mercy College will discuss adaptive devices that seniors can use for comfort and safety as well as medically based driving evaluations. Medical evaluations are needed, for example, if a senior is recovering from a stroke and wants to drive again.
The students will also discuss CarFit, a program where professionals do a 20-minute check about how well the senior and their vehicle work together. CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association and AARP.
Lawrence Cunningham from the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation will be at each session to help seniors sign up for MTA’s Reduced Fare MetroCard.
