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10/11/2007
New AAA Foundation Study Offers Hope for Improving Senior Drivers' Performance
Washington, DC – Senior drivers 70 years of age or older who take classroom driving improvement courses and behind the wheel training can improve their driving performance, according to a new study released today by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Yale University.
Out of 27 million people currently aged 70 or older in the United States, an estimated 20 million have active drivers’ licenses. The Census Bureau predicts by 2020, those aged 70 or over will grow to 37 million and by 2030, over 50 million. The study was undertaken to research ways to reduce the safety risk of older drivers, according to AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.
“An intervention, such as driving improvement classes that include behind-the-wheel training, can enhance senior driving performance and potentially prolong their safe driving years,” Kissinger said. “Hopefully, this study will encourage seniors, families and health care professionals to engage in discussions about this important traffic safety issue.”
The research, “Enhancement of Driver Performance Among Older Drivers,” used 126 drivers aged 70 years or older who recorded sub-optimal driving performance scores during road tests. Participants were then divided into two groups, one undergoing eight-hours of classroom training, based in part on AAA’s Driver Improvement Program, plus two-hours of behind-the-wheel training and the other serving as the control group. Drivers who took the classroom and on-road training showed significant improvement in their driving skills.
“Senior drivers cherish their mobility and families and health professionals struggle with the issue of how long their loved one or patient should be allowed to drive,” said Kissinger. “This study shows there are ways to improve driving performance of seniors.”
“There are a number of changes that can occur with aging that may potentially affect driving safety,” said Dr. Richard Marottoli, the study’s principal investigator from Yale University. “Doctors and other rehabilitation specialists can take an active role in helping seniors identify and work on potential problems in advance that may limit their mobility later.”
AAA Washington offers classroom driver training programs for drivers 55 and older that provide an opportunity to fine-tune driving skills, update knowledge of the rules of the road, and learn more about normal age-related physical changes and how to adjust driving habits accordingly. In addition, those who complete the course usually qualify for an insurance discount. These classes are offered throughout the year in the Puget Sound region, Spokane, Yakima, and Ellensburg. As an added convenience, the Mature Driver Course is now offered online at www.AAA.com by clicking on ‘Insurance’ and then ‘Driver Improvement Courses.’
AAA also has a computer-based screening program, AAA Roadwise Review, which is designed to help seniors drive safely longer. This unique, scientifically-validated tool measures eight physical and mental abilities shown to be the strongest predictors of crash risk among older drivers and provides feedback to guide the user’s driving decisions. Copies of AAA Roadwise Review are available online at www.AAA.com. Click on ‘Traffic Safety’ and then ‘Senior Mobility Programs’ to download an order form.
Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is an independent, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. The report “Enhancement of Driver Performance Among Older Drivers,” is available online at www.aaafoundation.org.
Contact: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Fairley Mahlum - 202-638-5944x4
fmahlum@aaafoundation.org
Allison Soule - 202-638-5944x5
asoule@aaafoundation.org
AAA Washington
Janet Ray – 425-646-2058
JanetRay@aaawin.com
AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904. The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 980,000 members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s 26 offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Contact AAA
Jennifer Cook (425) 646-2055
Dave Overstreet (425) 467-7740
Cassie Devaney (509) 358-6950
