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AAA Offers New Test and Advice for Drivers Over 65 Years of Age

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), by 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. Today, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile of all drivers, except teenagers. Senior crash fatality rates have climbed while overall fatality rates for all ages combined have remained stable since 1991.

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Even though seniors are more likely to wear their seatbelts, less likely to drink and drive, and less likely to speed, they are more likely to be hurt in a car crash.

AAA is now offering Roadwise Review Online a FREE screening tool to help seniors measure certain mental and physical abilities important for safe driving. The online review takes about 30 minutes and helps seniors identify and get guidance on the physical and mental skills that may need improvement. The test is also available on CD-ROM.

The AAA Web site also offers seniors valuable tips for improving driving performance and safety:

1. Monitor Medications. Seniors are the most likely to drive while taking multiple medication. Some of these drugs, or drug combinations, may affect their driving. In its brochure, Rx for Safe Driving, one in AAA's Straight Talk for Mature Drivers brochure series, AAA recommends seniors follow these guidelines:

• Avoid driving if you're not sure how a drug will affect you.
• Take medications only at prescribed levels and dosages.
• Plan driving around dosages or when side effects are less likely.
• Do not drive when you feel ill, tired or disoriented.
• Never drink and drive, and never combine medication and alcohol.
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist about medications that may impair driving.
• In case of an emergency, carry with you a list of all medications you are taking, including names and dosages.

2. Fine–Tune Driving Skills to Avoid Common Mistakes. Sight, hearing, judgment of speed and distance, reflexes, strength, flexibility and coordination all diminish with aging. The most common factors in crashes involving mature drivers are:

• Failure to yield right–of–way.
• Improper left turns.
• Confusion in heavy traffic.
• Inattention.
• Complications while backing up.
• Hesitation in responding to new traffic signs, signals or pavement markings.

AAA recommends seniors follow these guidelines to avoid common driving mistakes:

• Move into an intersection only after checking the area for pedestrians, cyclists, hazards and other motor vehicles. Don't allow other drivers to pressure you into sudden moves.
• Limit conversation and keep the radio volume low to minimize distractions.
• Don't drive when you are tired, depressed or in the grips of a strong emotion, such as anger.
• Never drink and drive. As metabolism changes with age, even one drink can make driving unsafe at any speed.
• Ensure your windshield is clean and visibility is clear. If you smoke, refrain from lighting up inside the vehicle.

3. Take a Driving Skills Refresher Course. Many communities offer courses to update drivers on new regulations, vehicle features and defensive tactics.

4. Buy a vehicle that enhances your performance. Options that add to comfort and offset loss of strength or other abilities include:

• Power steering.
• Power, anti–lock brakes.
• Automatic transmission.
• Large, well–lit gauges.
• Automatic climate control.
• Power-adjustable side mirrors with features to minimize blind spots.
• Power windows and door locks.
• Adaptive equipment, such as hand controls.

Also, check these factors:

• Can you easily adjust the height and tilt of the seat?
• Is the top of the steering wheel no higher than your shoulders?
• If not, can you tilt or adjust the steering column adequately?
• Does the seat belt fit? Many new vehicles have adjustable shoulder belt anchors that can help the belt system fit better.
• Can you comfortably reach the foot pedals? Are they adjustable?
• What about the climate controls, radio, door locks and window switches?

5. Assess your status. Consider moving from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat if the answer to any of these questions is yes. Have you in the past few months:

• Suffered a stroke, heart attack or diminished eyesight?
• Experienced difficulty negotiating sharp turns and intersections?
• Hesitated over right–of–way decisions or situations you once took for granted?
• Been surprised by the sudden presence of other vehicles or pedestrians?
• Received negative feedback from other drivers?
• Become lost on familiar routes?
• Felt nervous or exhausted after driving?
• Been cited for traffic violations or found at fault in crashes?

The source of all this information is AAA. For more information on this topic, visit:

http://www.web.aaasne.com/sne/public_affairs/senior.php

Tags: AAA, AAA safe driving, AAA safe driving for seniors, senior driving

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