From in-vehicle technologies to vehicle adaptations, the list of options older drivers have to make their vehicles safer and to enable them to stay behind the wheel longer is extensive. Unfortunately, in a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, nearly 90 percent of senior drivers reported not making any adaptations to their vehicles.
AAA urges drivers older than 65—who are 17 times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than a younger driver—to make safety adaptations to their vehicles. These aids can help senior drivers get into and out of a vehicle with less effort, improve visibility on the road and increase dexterity.
“Crash prevention is critical for this population, and this research suggests that most are not taking advantage of simple and inexpensive devices,” said Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety executive director. The report is the first phase in the foundation’s groundbreaking Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers, or LongROAD, project gathering data on drivers 65 and older.
Conditions impacting a driver’s muscles or bones are of particular concern. In the LongROAD study, more than 70 percent of senior drivers had experienced health conditions impacting muscles and bones, such as arthritis, hip/knee replacement and joint-pain conditions. The installation of products such as steering-wheel covers can help lessen the impact of arthritis. Larger mirrors and assistive devices on seats, meanwhile, can help reduce the impact of limited neck mobility.
Vehicle adaptations not only help seniors drive safer and longer, they also benefit mental health. Previous AAA Foundation research shows older people who stop driving are almost twice as 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.
The AAA RoadWise Driver class for seniors contains a robust curriculum packed with countless useful tips, proven methods, and practical knowledge for seniors to use while driving. Fueled by science and backed by research, this program provides tools to help seniors maintain their independence and reduce risk on the roadway. Members enjoy a discount on class rates, and the class is approved by the State of Minnesota for up to 10% off your auto insurance* upon completion.
Learn more about the AAA RoadWise Driver Class and enroll today!
*Contact your insurance provider for discount details.
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