 GRANDDRIVER 1. What is "Virginia GrandDriver"? GrandDriver is a public health initiative designed to help seniors stay safe and mobile as they age. It is a source of information for seniors and for those who care about them. GrandDriver: Encourages seniors to plan ahead for safe mobility before their later years. Gives older Virginians and their families/caregivers suggestions to improve driving skills and provides resources that will help older drivers compensate for age-related changes so they can stay on the road as safely as possible, for as long as possible. Offers suggestions for alternative forms of transportation to help older Virginians maintain their mobility and independence. 2. Who created GrandDriver and why? While most older drivers may be good drivers, there are physical changes that come with aging. These changes can affect our ability to drive safely. That's why the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators created a national GrandDriver pilot program in 2003 to provide information especially for seniors and for those who care about them. Virginia was first to implement GrandDriver on a statewide level. And the timing couldn't be more perfect: May is Older Virginians Month as proclaimed by Governor Tim Kaine. May is also Older Americans Month. 3. Who sponsors GrandDriver? The Virginia Department for the Aging with funding through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. 4. Is there a website or phone number to call for further information? Visit www.granddriver.net or call 1-800-552-3402. In Richmond, the local phone number is 804-662-9333. 5. I'd like to localize my story, who can I contact? A good place to start is your Area Agency on Aging. To find the Agency that serves seniors in your jurisdiction, visit www.aging.state.va.us and look for the listing of Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia or call 1-800-552-3402. You can also contact Rachel Nathan, GrandDriver publicity manager at 202-298-2173 or e-mail her using the media contact form. She will work with you to find local interview subjects and programs of interest to your specific audience. 6. What can we do to drive more safely and remain mobile as we age? As we age, we can all expect to experience changes in our vision, our hearing, and our ability to judge distances, to process information and to react quickly. At some point in our lives, these changes will affect our ability to drive a vehicle. There may even be a time when we stop driving altogether. Before that day comes, if it does, there are steps we can take to remain as safe and mobile as possible.
a. Do you need glasses or contacts to drive? Wear them every time you drive.
1. Check your vision and hearing on a regular basis. 2. Take a driving refresher course for older drivers. 3. Avoid driving in bad weather and when visibility is limited. Drive only during daylight hours if necessary. 4. Plan your route ahead of time. Travel on roads you know. Make a trial run on those you don't. 5. Explore alternatives to driving before the need ever arises. If you do have to stop or significantly limit your driving, you'll be prepared with bus schedules, car pool groups and public transportation options. 6. Limit left hand turns to avoid crossing traffic lanes or make left turns only at controlled intersections with left turn arrows. 7. Check your mirrors, headrests and seat position every time you get behind the wheel and before starting out on your journey. 8. Stay in the right lane if you can. 9. Avoid busy highways and busy times of the day when traffic is heavy. 10. Keep your vehicle in good working order at all times. |
 Are your driving skills what they used to be? Find out here with our quick test.  See a complete calendar of events for dates and locations of GrandDriver activities around the state.  Keep your loved ones safe behind the wheel! |
