Older Americans today are healthier and more active than ever before. The aging baby boomer generation is the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. By 2030, there will be more than 70 million people age 65 and older, and approximately 85-90 percent of them will be licensed to drive. In fact, seniors are outliving their ability to drive safely by an average of 7-10 years and for the first time in history, we must plan for our “driving retirement” just as we plan for our financial retirement.
Senior drivers are among the safest drivers on the road and often reduce their risk of injury by wearing safety belts, not drinking and driving and by observing speed limits; however, seniors are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash due to age-related fragility. With the exception of teenagers, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile driven. As we age, our ability to drive safely is affected by natural changes to our bodies over time.
AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving for as long as safely possible. We also are committed to promoting viable transportation options for seniors who can no longer drive independently.
Evaluate Your Driving Ability
Evaluations are best if you are concerned that your driving skills may have diminished; were recommended to take a driving skills evaluation by a physician, occupational therapist or family member; or may benefit from supplemental in-car training.
Self-Rating Tool
Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, you must decide how to react to other vehicles and drivers, traffic signs and signals, highway conditions and your vehicle’s performance – and often take quick action. Would you like to know your driving performance?
Drivers 65 Plus is a brochure that features a 15-question self-rating driving assessment exercise designed to help you examine your driving performance. After answering the questions, follow the instructions to calculate your score and get information about your driving performance. The driving assessment will list your strengths and weaknesses, along with suggestions for how to improve your driving.
Talk About Driver Safety
AAA recommends that families start talking with older adults about safe driving early and avoid waiting until there are “red flags” like crashes, scrapes on the car (from bumping into garages, signs, etc.), new medical diagnoses, or worsening health conditions. It is helpful to begin discussions when an older driver starts planning for other life changes, like retirement from work or moving to a new home. When talking to an older driver, families should:
- Start early and talk often: Be positive, be supportive and focus on ways to help keep them safe when behind the wheel, including other forms of transportation available to older drivers.
- Avoid generalizations: Do not jump to conclusions about an older driver’s skills or abilities.
- Speak one-on-one: Keep the discussion between you and the older driver. Inviting the whole family to the conversation can create feelings of alienation or anger.
- Focus on the facts: Stick to information you know, like a medical condition or medication regimen that might make driving unsafe. Do not accuse an older driver of being unsafe or assume that driving should be stopped altogether.
- Plan Together: Allow the older driver to play an active role in developing the plan for their driving retirement.
Low Cost Vehicle Adaptions
Nearly 90 percent of older drivers do not make inexpensive adaptations to their vehicles that can improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Common vehicle adaptations like pedal extensions, seat cushions and steering wheel covers can help to improve safety by reducing a senior driver’s crash risk. Seniors aged 65 and over are more than twice as likely as younger drivers to be killed when involved in a crash. AAA urges seniors to consider making the necessary adaptations to their vehicles in order to reduce crash risk and extend the time they can continue to drive.
| Vehicle Devices | Potential Safety Impact |
| Cushions and seat pads | Improves line of sight and can help alleviate back or hip pain |
| Convex/ multifaceted mirrors | Improves visibility and minimizes blind spots |
| Pedal extension | Helps drivers obtain a safe distance from the steering wheel/airbag and optimize visibility |
| Steering wheel covers | Improves grip for drivers with arthritic hand joints |
| Hand controls | Allows the driver to perform all vehicle maneuvers and functions without the use of lower extremities |
Choosing the right features and working with a trained technician is imperative to safety behind the wheel. Of those drivers who have a device, almost 90 percent reported that they did not work with a trained professional to install the modification, a key recommendation by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). AAA urges drivers to consult with a trained technician to guide them in making adjustments to their vehicle.
Vehicle adaptions also benefit seniors’ mental health by extending their time on the road. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that seniors who have stopped driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times more likely to enter a long-term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel.
AAA and AOTA worked in collaboration with the American Society on Aging and AARP to develop CarFit to help senior drivers better utilize the features and technologies in their vehicles. The community-based program allows trained professionals to conduct a quick, yet comprehensive 12-point check of a senior’s personal vehicle and make recommendations for needed adjustments or adaptations. Contact the AAA Driving School for more information about CarFit.
Mature Driver Refreshers
AAA provides driving assessments and classes to ensure each driver is comfortable behind the wheel and the roadways are safe for everyone.
Mature Operator Classroom and In-Car Lessons
As we age, changes in our strength, mobility and flexibility; vision and scanning skills make us less comfortable and less in-control behind the wheel. To help maturing drivers tune up their driving skills and refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, AAA Central Penn offers Mature Operator Classes to provide practical guidance for drivers age 55 and over.
Mature Operator Online
AAA Central Penn is pleased to offer an Online Mature Operator Course as an alternative to our 55+ Mature Operator classes. While our classroom sessions still offer the best, interactive learning experience, if you do not live within a convenient distance from a class location, or you can't find a class date and time that fits your busy schedule, you can now choose the appropriate online course.
The Benefits of AAA Senior Driver Training
When you take our training, you learn new things and gain the skills you need to drive safely, putting your family at ease. The many benefits of taking a course for mature drivers include:
- Discounts on insurance: Many insurance companies lower your premiums if you take a senior driver class.
- Lower risk of committing a traffic violation: Not knowing the law is no excuse for breaking it. By taking a refresher on driver regulations, you can receive updates on new guidelines and feel confident about avoiding a ticket.
- Improved defensive driving knowledge: With more people using their cellphones while driving, distracted driving has become a serious problem. You can learn ways to drive defensively and protect yourself when someone else isn't paying attention.
Sign Up for Mature Driver Training Today
Taking AAA mature driver training courses can enhance your proficiency and improve your confidence on the road. Your family will appreciate your efforts to keep your driving sharp. Learn more about your options and sign up for our AAA mature driver training today.
