 White Plains, NY - A ‘Speak Up’ on Older Driver Safety Awareness will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
The Speak Up is sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) and kicks off Older Driver Safety Week from Nov. 5 to 9. It will start at 11 a.m., immediately after DSPS’ annual public hearing, which will begin at the County Center at 9 a.m.
In addition, DSPS is presenting a series of drop-in programs Nov. 5 to 9 in conjunction with its Family Caregiver Support Program and the Older Driver Help Network. A person experienced in working with older drivers and their families will be available to answer questions. In addition, there will be brochures on safe driving and information about driver improvement courses and related topics
Many seniors are safe drivers and pose no risk, but abilities such as vision and hearing can lessen as people get older, and the situation will become more widespread as the population continues to age. Mature adults also have slower reflexes, and may be taking prescription medicines that impact their ability to drive.
People who attend the Speak Up will be able to express their concerns and offer suggestions on what individual families and communities can do to address this situation.
Mae Carpenter, DSPS Commissioner, said attendees will also learn what services the county offers to promote safe driving, such as the Older Drivers Family Assistance Program, which provides brochures, referrals to driver safety programs, in-car evaluations, vision checks and driver retraining.
Families that have benefited from county services are also expected to discuss their experiences.
“We also welcome suggestions on ways to prevent the isolation of seniors who are no longer able to drive,” said DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter. “We need transportation options and efforts by entire communities to ensure those seniors have a good quality of life.”
Registration for the Speak Up is preferred but not required. To register, call (914) 245-9167 or send an email to
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Registration is not needed for the drop-ins but those interested can call (914) 245-9167 for more information. The drop-ins will take place according to the following schedule:
Nov. 5 -- 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., DSPS offices, 9 S. First Ave., 10th Floor, Mount Vernon.
Nov. 7 -- 2 p.m.- 4 p.m., White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave.
Nov. 7 -- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., DSPS offices, 1974 Commerce St., Rm. 209, 3rd Floor , Yorktown Heights.
Nov. 8 -- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., New Rochelle Public Library, One Library Plaza, third floor.
Nov. 9 -- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Scarsdale Library, 54 Olmstead Road.
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