Tips for getting in and out of your car safely
April 2026
With icy driveways, slick parking lots and wet roads, getting in and out of a vehicle can pose a real fall risk — especially for older adults. Heather Robinson, a physical therapist at Providence Medford, says a few simple changes in technique can make a big difference in staying safe.
Falls are a serious concern, particularly for older adults. One in four people age 65 and older report falling each year, and falls remain the leading cause of injury in this age group. Heather explains that vehicle entry and exit is a common but often overlooked moment of risk.
“Instead of entering your vehicle head first, as we tend to do, try turning around, scooting back until you feel the backs of your legs against the vehicle,” she says. “Then take one hand and reach back onto the car seat, and your other hand and reach to a fixed object in your vehicle such as the dash."
Using stable, fixed surfaces helps prevent loss of balance while lowering yourself into the seat.
Exiting the vehicle uses the same steps in reverse. Heather cautions against using the car door for support, since it can shift unexpectedly.
“We don't recommend this as it is not a fixed object and can move, resulting in your loss of balance and a fall,” she says.
Heather says these small adjustments can help people of all ages — but especially those at risk of falls — stay safer during winter conditions and beyond.