Page 13 - AAA Schuylkill County - AAA Now! March/April 2015

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Senior Drivers Getting Older and Wiser
Behind the Wheel
Most support greater scrutiny in the license-renewal process
America’s population is aging, and as we age, we’re continuing to drive. Research has shown that today’s older drivers are spending more time behind the wheel. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 84 percent of Americans 65 and older still drive, compared to barely half in the early 1970s.
Seniors also represent the fastest growing driving demographic. By 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. Although seniors have an overall crash rate comparable to that of 20- and 30-year-old drivers, age related health issues also make them the most vulnerable, with a higher death rate per mile driven than any other group.
Today’s older drivers are keeping their licenses longer to maintain their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Losing the ability to drive can
be a traumatic experience – and it’s often hard to know when it’s time to hand over the keys. Even so, an overwhelming majority of senior drivers support greater scrutiny in the license-renewal process for themselves and their peers.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic
Safety’s latest report on aging Americans, more than seven out of 10 drivers age 65 and older favor policies that require drivers age 75 and older to renew their license in person. They also support requirements that seniors pass a medical screening to remain licensed.
These findings indicate that older Americans tend to support policies to keep themselves safer behind the wheel, making them key allies in their mission to keep driving – smarter and longer,” says Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The AAA Foundation’s report “Older American Drivers and Traffic Safety Culture” also found:
• Nearly 80 percent of drivers over age 75 favor medical screenings for drivers age 75 and older;
• Nearly 90 percent of older drivers (65 and older) reported no crashes in the last two years and no moving violations;
• 65 percent of drivers age 75 and older reported never using a cell phone while driving compared to only 48 percent of the younger “older” drivers (those age 65-69) who never use a phone when behind the wheel.
“With nearly nine out of 10 seniors aged 65 and older still driving, it appears that additional years behind the wheel not only make drivers older, but wiser,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “As older adults live longer and spend more time behind the wheel, it’s promising to see a trend towards a more pro-safety culture with increasing age.”
The AAA Foundation is currently taking a long- term look at aging drivers with a study that will systematically monitor the driving habits of more than 3,000 senior drivers over the next five years.
Tips for Going Green
Even if you’re not in the market for a new car,
AAA has tips to help you get the best efficiency
and minimize greenhouse gases no matter what you drive. To decrease your carbon footprint, AAA suggests the following simple changes to lessen the impact of transportation on the environment:
• Slow down.
Decreasing vehicle speed by 10 mph can significantly increase fuel efficiency and decrease the associated carbon dioxide output.
• Drive at a steady pace and anticipate traffic patterns.
Accelerating rapidly then having to brake, wastes fuel and causes brakes to wear more quickly.
• Plan your route in advance.
Consolidate trips whenever possible and plan to travel during lighter traffic times.
• Remove unneeded items from the trunk and avoid using the roof rack.
Added weight and air resistance will cause more fuel to burn.
• If your car has an “ECO” setting, use it.
It will smooth out your gas pedal inputs; optimize transmission shift points and decrease air conditioners impact on the engine.
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