The University of Missouri’s Keep Your Keys program, which helps older adults stay safe and confident behind the wheel, has expanded its reach statewide.
The program, launched in Columbia in 2015, offers a 35-minute driver safety presentation designed for adults over 55, as well as caregivers and health educators. It provides tips on evaluating driving abilities, creating a plan for staying social and mobile, and preparing for eventual “driving retirement” by finding alternative transportation options.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 90 million licensed drivers in the United States were age 55 or older in 2023. Keep Your Keys aims to help that growing population maintain their independence while staying safe.
Beth Custer, outreach coordinator for University of Missouri Health Care, said the program benefits people of all ages.
“It doesn’t matter what age you are — if you listen to the program, you’re going to get tips to make yourself a better driver,” Custer said. The initiative began expanding statewide after receiving a Missouri Department of Transportation grant in 2020. Facilitators have since been trained across Missouri, including three in the northwest region.
One of those facilitators, Christie Pierce, said the program also focuses on planning ahead.
“We ask people to think about making a driving transportation plan,” Pierce said. “If you fall or have an illness, you might be unable to drive for a while, so it’s important to have options.” The next Keep Your Keys presentation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 at the Nodaway County Senior Center in Maryville.
Since its expansion, the program has hosted 43 events with about 670 participants statewide.
