Paula F. Downey
President’s Message: Senior Drivers
IF YOU'RE GOING...
Are you worried about the safety of a senior driver in your family? If so, you are not alone. A recent national survey reports out that 86 percent of “sandwich boomers,” people caring for both dependent children and older parents, are concerned about a parent’s driving safety. Thirty-nine percent are “very concerned.”
As our parents get older, their driving abilities change. Not that they always want to admit it. After all, driving means freedom, right? But as we age, our flexibility, reaction time, and eyesight all diminish.
Around age 70, a driver’s risk to himself and others on the road begins to rise, and that risk increases more rapidly after 75. As if that weren’t bad enough, seniors are more likely to be hurt in a car crash—seniors have the highest death rate per mile driven of any age group except teens. So it is absolutely essential that older drivers regularly assess their driving skills. And here’s where you can help.
AAA recommends that you start a conversation with your parents well before their driving becomes a problem. Make it clear that safety is your main concern. Anticipate and be prepared for some pushback, but also emphasize that AAA has programs, tips, and information to keep older drivers mobile for as long as safely possible.
Visit AAA.com/seniordrivers, where you’ll find reliable information, tools, and resources to help the senior driver in your life. This includes our Online Mature Driver Course, which can reduce the risk of traffic violations and collisions. Passing the course can also qualify older drivers for a AAA insurance discount. Check out AAA Roadwise Review, a tool to privately assess a driver’s functional abilities, and DriveSharp, a fun, computer-based brain fitness training program developed to cut the risk of getting in a collision.
At AAA, we are always on the lookout for new and better ways to keep you—and everyone in your family—safe when you’re on the road.
Good Directions
ON THE ROAD, SAFER AND GREENER
Now that summer has arrived, you might be thinking about a road trip. With a little extra planning, you’ll improve your prospects for a safe journey that’s easy on the environment. Sensible driving not only saves lives, it also saves gas and reduces harmful emissions. These tips can help you protect your family, your pocketbook, and the planet.
- Observe the speed limit On long stretches, use cruise control for a steady pace that reduces your risk of a crash and saves you gas and money.
- Make sure your ride is road ready A full-service tune-up before you leave will make your car run as efficiently and cleanly as it can and help you avoid breakdowns on your way.
- Plan ahead Short detours and unexpected adventures can be fun; getting lost and going miles out of your way, not so much. Take advantage of AAA maps, TourBook guides, and customized TripTik planners to plot safe routes that save fuel and still give you room to explore.
- Pack wisely Every pound you put in your car reduces its fuel efficiency, and overloading makes a vehicle handle poorly.
- Counteract your car’s emissions Purchase carbon offsets at AAA.com/terrapass. As a AAA member, you get a 10 percent discount by entering CSAA10 when you check out.
Find gas-saving tips for vacation trips at AAA.com/greenerdriving. For driving safety tips and resources, visit AAA.com/saferdriving.
Photography by Anne Hamersky
This article was first published in July 2010. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
