AAA Presents Solutions to Reduce Older Driver Crashes in Response to AAA Foundation Senior Driver Study

WASHINGTON--Feb. 1, 20048, 2004--Focusing on pre-crash prevention strategies for the driver, road and vehicle will reduce crashes and save seniors' lives, AAA said today in announcing the three-pronged approach for its "Lifelong Safe Mobility" campaign.

Specifically, AAA will improve safety for older motorists by developing a state-of-the-art driver self screening tool and driver safety courses; advocating "senior-friendly" road design; and educating older drivers on ways to adapt their vehicle to accommodate some of the limitations brought on by age. Announcement of the strategy coincides with release of a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study on older driver crashes.

"The study's finding that older drivers are twice as likely as middle aged drivers to die in a crash reinforces the need to focus on crash prevention for seniors," said Bella Dinh-Zarr, PhD, AAA Director of Traffic Safety Policy. "Because of their fragility, older drivers are at greater risk than other drivers of being hurt in a crash even though they drive less. AAA's recently launched "Lifelong Safe Mobility" initiative is all about helping older drivers stay safe."

The just-released AAA Foundation study "Older Driver Involvement in Injury Crashes" found that, when compared to 55-64 year old drivers, three older age groups became progressively more likely to be in a crash because of (1) perceptual lapses that lead to failing to yield the right of way or disregarding signs or signals, (2) failing to properly negotiate the left-turn driving maneuver and (3) illness from some physical ailment at the time of the crash. The Texas Transportation Institute conducted the study for the AAA Foundation, looking at 25 years of police level crash data from nearly four million injury crashes in Texas.

People over 65 are the fastest-growing population in the United States. By 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. Seniors make up 13 percent of all traffic fatalities and 12 percent of all vehicle occupant fatalities.

Specific elements of AAA's "Lifelong Safe Mobility" strategy include:

-- Emphasizing both its "Driving for Mature Operators," a classroom course that is taught by 60 AAA clubs around the country and the AAA Driver Improvement Program, a comprehensive driving course with a mature driver component. Thirty-five states provide an insurance discount to drivers 55 and over for taking these courses.

-- Aiding older driver self-assessment through a state-of-the-art driver screening tool that will help older drivers determine and maintain their functional abilities needed for safe driving. This will be a unique CD-ROM and on-line tool and will be available in late 2004 for drivers to use in their homes. "We believe it is important for people to screen for their driving health just as they screen for their medical health," said Dinh-Zarr.

-- Promoting safety-oriented road design, such as intersection improvements, better signage, improved lighting and better road markings, that can greatly reduce death and injury to the aging population. AAA has advocated for these types of improvements to Congress during the current reauthorization of the highway bill. For example, AAA has recommended improvements such as those in a model demonstration program for safe intersections developed by AAA Michigan. This safety program reduced injury crashes at some high-risk intersections by as much as 46 percent.

-- Launching an effort late this summer through efforts with the American Society on Aging, AAA will encourage older drivers to work with occupational therapists to make sure their vehicles have the necessary equipment to deal with their driving limitations. AAA also has developed new educational materials for seniors about buying a vehicle through the "Straight Talk for Mature Drivers" series, which are available at local AAA clubs.

"We know the importance of preventing motor vehicle deaths and injuries to protect our physical health but we also recognize that it is vitally important for an individual's mental health to remain mobile and maintain a level of social activity," said Dinh-Zarr. "Our primary goal is to help seniors stay mobile for as long as safely possible."

For more information on AAA's "Lifelong Safe Mobility" initiative, visit www.aaapublicaffairs.com.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

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