There are news reports and statistics to justify everything. Today you may read a report stating that the elderly are safer on the road than teenagers.
Last week, there was a report suggesting that seniors should be tested annually. There are news stories about older drivers getting lost for days on
end, some with deadly results. We have also heard the results of an elderly driver panicking and hitting the accelerator instead of the break, mowing
down pedestrians, but drivers of all ages have had these tragic incidents. On the other hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety compiles crash
statistics for different age groups and in different situations. One study shows that in states requiring an in-person renewal, drivers 65 and older
did not show a change in fatality rates; however, for drivers over 85, there was a 17 percent drop.
Admittedly, there are conflicting studies and different states and regions report different findings but it is safe to say that once several
age-related benchmarks are reached, it is time to assess driver safety behind the wheel on a much more frequent basis.
From the current studies available, there appear to be several factors that contribute to a decline in the ability to safely operate a car. Consider
this list of leading risk factors.
COMMON RISK FACTORS
- vision or hearing loss
- decreasing physical activity/mobility
- growing forgetfulness
- diminished concentration
- side effects from multiple prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- increased anxiety about driving
- slowing of reflexes
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
- New or unfamiliar territory
- Road Construction
- New car
- Tardiness for an appointment
- Distractions or sudden change in conditions
- Anxiety from traffic incidents
- Bad weather
Contact us and we will be happy to provide you with an electronic copy of:
Improving older driver knowledge and self-awareness through self-assessment: The driving decisions workbook
David W. Ebya,*, Lisa J. Molnara, Jean T. Shopea, Jonathon M. Vivodaa, Tiffani A. Fordyceb
Transportation Research Institute, University of Michigan, 2901 Baxter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150, USA
by Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, Inc., USA
You may also visit AAA Foundation.org for a self
assessment tool provided by AAA.
What does an elderly driver really need in the car to help prevent fatal accidents? The answer is: another person. Research indicates that older men
who have a co-pilot or backseat driver are 20% less likely to cause a fatal accident if they are between the ages of 65-85, and 24% percent if they are
over the age of 85.
A person 65 or older who is involved in a car accident is more likely to be seriously hurt, more likely to require hospitalization, and more likely to
die than younger people involved in the same crash.
The good news is that there are screening tools, classes, and other pro-active activities to help many seniors continue to drive safely. At some point
however, driving will no longer be an option. Until that time, take precautionary steps to prevent an avoidable incident and keep a check on your
friends and loved ones.
AARP offers a terrific Drivers Education refresher for anyone over 50. It is a low-cost hands-on assessment of driving skills with great information on
how to stay safe on the road no matter what your age. It is frequently held in various locations throughout the country. Visit www.aarp.org to sign up or find the nearest date and location to you. It may even help to reduce your auto insurance
premiums if your insurance provider is a partner with the program. Don’t delay!
