The National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers

The Canadian Association of Occupation Therapists (CAOT) received funding for the development of a National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers from the Public Health Agency of Canada. This Blueprint was developed with the input and assistance of a 21 member National Advisory Committee.  Membership of the Advisory Committee consisted of key stakeholders for older driver safety and included representatives from consumers, researchers, educators, clinicians, law and government.  CAOT is most grateful for the assistance provided by the National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers Advisory Committee.

The Blueprint outlines a vision and identified directions for action for promoting safe driving among older drivers in Canada. The Blueprint is directed towards increasing the capacity of older adults to drive safely for as long as possible and maintain their engagement in the occupations which give meaning and purpose to their lives.

For more information please contact the Director of Professional Practice.

Why look at older driver safety?

Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the driving population and driving is vital to their independence. Yet, older driver mortality and morbidity is on the rise. The leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 65 to 75 years old in Canada today is driving-related accidents. More specifically, individuals over 75 have a 3.5 times higher crash rate compared to 35 to 44 year olds (Canada Safety Council, 2005). With the senior population on the rise, it is projected that by 2040 there will be almost double the number of older drivers in Canada.

Who will be interested in this project?

This document will be of great interest to occupational therapists and other health care providers, as it addresses assessments and enhanced safety for Canada’s older drivers. The document has an important emphasis on injury prevention and increased health and well-being and is not directed towards reducing older drivers’ freedom to drive.

The creation of this website was part of the National Blueprint for Injury Prevention in Older Drivers project that was funded by the Population Health Fund, Public Health Agency of Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists®.
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