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Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium

 

The Motor Vehicle Administration hosts symposiums and regional training workshops on older driver safety.

Professionals play an integral role in recognizing medical conditions that may affect driving safety.  These medical conditions may be particularly apparent with older adults because as age increases, older drivers experience a multitude of challenges on the road.  The issue is not about being older, but the physical and cognitive issues with aging that impact on safe driving. Couple that with the increasing number of older drivers, and it follows that there will be an increased demand on professionals.  While crash rates for older drivers are not now the issue, preparations are necessary to handle the growth to avoid a sudden increase in crash rates and address this new challenge for safety on the roadways.

The symposiums focus on the latest research regarding older driver safety, and best practices of policies and programs from across the nation. The target audience are professionals in healthcare, community services, engineering and law enforcement.  The symposiums build on the information presented in previous gatherings and promote Safe Mobility for Life. Recent research and best practice information are presented by industry experts and speakers. Exhibits showcase local resources and programs. Attendees have the opportunity to forge new partnerships with a better understanding of other agencies, organizations and professionals who provide services for older drivers.

Lectures and discussions in the regional workshops focus on the physical and cognitive effects of aging and their relationship to driving, the MVA’s process of referral and evaluation for one's medical fitness to drive, and how professionals can help with identifying medically at-risk drivers. Local resources and techniques are provided, intended to increase the participants’ knowledge regarding the medical fitness to drive, to effectively interact with older drivers and to take proper and appropriate actions when necessary.

2015 Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium

-- Program Booklet and Information - 2015 Symposium 

2013 Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium 
– Program Booklet and Information - 2013 Symposium

2012 Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium 
– Recap, pictures, and press announcement - 2012 Symposium

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