According to estimates by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are nearly 20 million licensed drivers age 70 and older in the United States. Since adults 65 and older are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, the number of older adults who drive is rapidly increasing as well.
There are a lot of myths about older drivers, said Martha Earnhardt, public information analyst for the Alabama Department of Public Safety — statistics show that most older drivers are being cautious.
For example, Earnhardt noted more than 75 percent of all older drivers use safety belts, more than any other group except infants and preschoolers. Older adults are also less likely to drink and drive, and they tend to drive fewer miles and in safer conditions than others.
But while older drivers are not involved in more car crashes than those in other populations, they do have a greater risk of dying or suffering a serious injury in a crash.
“Older drivers are more susceptible to injury in a crash and to medical complications following crash injuries,” Earnhardt said.
Because senior adults often are dealing with hearing and eyesight loss or illnesses like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s, staying safe on the road means the driver must make appropriate decisions based on his individual condition. For example:
– Drivers should always wear their glasses, and make sure their prescription is current. They should also make sure they can sit high enough in the driver’s seat to see at least 10 feet in front of the vehicle.
– For older drivers who are experiencing a decrease in strength, a physical therapy or fitness program may help increase flexibility and mobility.
– Since many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause problems in alertness and coordination, drivers should speak to their physican or pharmacist for guidance about driving while medicated.
The vehicle itself is also an important consideration, Earnhardt said. Safety features such as seat belts and airbags have continued to improve in newer vehicles, as have mechanical features of the vehicles. “Make sure the vehicle has automatic transmission, power steering and good brakes,” she said. “These features make it easier to control a vehicle.”
Earnhardt said older drivers may decrease their anxiety by driving during the day, taking familiar routes and avoiding high-traffic periods and complex traffic situations like congested intersections.
Some drivers find it helpful to refresh their skills by taking a driver’s safety course geared toward senior adults.
Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Birmingham, in Birmingham Baptist Association sponsors the AARP Driver Safety Program class annually.
Dennis Goodwin, minister to senior adults at Dawson Memorial Baptist, said many of the senior adults at his church request the training not only to brush up on their driving skills but also to receive a discount on their auto insurance.
“At $10, the course is very affordable, and the benefits last for several years [depending on the insurance provider],” Goodwin said.
“Many of those at our church who have taken the course say that it was most helpful in helping them adjust to driving as senior adults.” Dawson member Jane Roberson took the course about five years ago and is planning to take it again soon.
She said the course has made her more aware of how she can drive more safely.
“The course really impressed upon me how [the driver] is responsible for safely driving,” Roberson said. “I hadn’t really given safety that much thought. I would just jump in the car and go, but now I really do think about how I can be more aware of other drivers and situations.
“I really think I am more aware of driving safely than I was at other ages,” she added.
Since Roberson and her husband both took the course, she said they have saved about $45 annually on their auto insurance, an added benefit of the course.
There are also simple steps older drivers can take to feel more secure while on the road, said Lt. Chris Williams, acting commander of the public information/education unit for the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
“In case of emergency, you can always use a cell phone,” he said. “If you’re driving, find a safe area to stop and call *HP, which will automatically route you to the nearest Alabama State Trooper post.”
Other safety precautions, Williams said, include carrying an emergency kit (including a whistle) and letting someone know where you are going.
“Traffic safety matters for all of us,” Williams said. “And one individual’s driving behavior has a bearing on everybody’s safety on the road.
“Taking some precautions may seem extreme, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
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