By Shannon Lukens. Courtesy photos from NWCCI.

 

Older Driver Safety Week starts Monday, Dec. 2.

Hope Hunt is the Transportation Coordinator for the Northwest Colorado Center for Independence, serving Routt and Moffat counties. It’s a group that supports people with disabilities and seniors by helping with housing, transportation, employment  and other independent living services.

As for transportation, Hunt says residents can be taken to medical appointments in Denver and Grand Junction as well as locally.

 

“I know a lot of times, especially in rural areas, that when people are older, tend to start thinking about ‘I’m not able to drive. How can I get to the grocery store or my medical appointment?’ Just knowing that there are organizations that can help them with transportation if that’s the route they want to take or they are thinking about not driving anymore.”

 

To reach out for a ride or services from the Northwest Colorado Center for Independence, call 970-819-0579. Or email hope@nwcci.org

The group is currently providing between 50 and 70 rides a month in Moffat and Routt counties.

 

NORTHWEST COLORADO CENTER FOR INDEPENDENCE — Empowerment through advocacy, peer support and education.

Promoting Driver Safety & Transit in Colorado for Drivers Over 65 at OlderWiser.org

Tour Western Colorado Without a Car

 

When is it Time to Stop Driving?

Signs that it’s Time to Limit or Stop Driving:

• Almost crashing, with frequent “close calls.”
• Finding dents and scrapes on the car, on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, etc.
• Getting lost, especially in familiar locations.
• Having trouble seeing or following traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings.
• Responding more slowly to unexpected situations, or having trouble moving their foot from the gas to the brake pedal; confusing the two pedals.

• Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps.

• Experiencing road rage or causing other drivers to honk or complain.

• Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving.
• Having a hard time turning around to check the rear view while backing up or changing lanes.
• Receiving multiple traffic tickets or “warnings” from law enforcement officers.
• You are taking new medications with this warning “May Cause Dizziness. Do Not Drive Or Perform Other Potentially DANGEROUS Tasks Until You Know How This Medication Affects You.”

• During the last two years, have you had any physical, mental, or emotional condition that would interfere with your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely including heart problems, diabetes, paralysis, epilepsy, seizures, lapses of consciousness, or dizziness?