Keep Grandma, Grandpa Safe On Ohio Roads This Year

OHIO — Ohio is launching a new campaign to keep roadways safe for older drivers during the holiday.

The campaign is called "Stay Fit to Drive." As part of the state's efforts, a new website has been launched the chronicles tips and tactics for keeping older drivers safe.

“Although older adults are among the safest drivers on Ohio’s roads, their risk of being injured or killed in a crash increases with age,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “This new website puts resources for older drivers in one place to help them stay independent longer while reducing risks to themselves and others on the road.”

Mounting Concern

Both the nation's and Ohio's populations are aging. The fastest growing group of drivers are now 65 or older, according to data from AAA. In recent years, fatal traffic crashes involving that age demographic have also increased.

Traffic deaths involving older drivers spiked in 2019, when 271 people died on Ohio's roads. People 65 and older represented 23 percent of traffic deaths statewide, according to ODOT.

Older drivers were safer during 2020, largely because they stayed home during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As driving rates return to normal, older drivers are again dying at unprecedented levels.

“Many older Ohioans started driving less in the early months of the pandemic,” said Kimberly Schwind with the Ohio Conference of AAA Clubs. “As they hit the road again their driving skills may be a little rusty, or their health or vision may have changed. That’s why it’s imperative older Ohioans and their families take the time to assess their driving abilities and take the necessary steps to stay safe on the road.”

Risk Factors

Aging has an effect one everyone. With regards to driving, aging can lead to deterioration of vision, hearing, reflexes, strength and memory. Certain medical conditions also become more common with age and can impact drivers.

Older drivers may also driver older vehicles that see less regular use. This can lead to dangerous vehicles hitting the roadways.

Finally, a fear of driving is more common among older Ohioans and can lead to more crashes.

Evaluation

The state's new website will help families evaluate older members to determine if they need help driving. Strategists will help families devise alternative transportation plans or safe driving tactics to keep grandma and grandpa safe.

The Ohio Department of Aging also offers its own list of advice for older drivers. The department also has strategies for bringing up safe driving conversations with older family members.

The campaign is a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Ohio Department of Aging and AAA.

Safety Tips

AAA and DeWine issued the following list of safety tips for older drivers.

• Stay aware of your changing physical, vision and hearing abilities and adjust your driving habits accordingly.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medical conditions you have or medications you take could make it unsafe to drive.
• Do most of your driving during daylight and in good weather. Avoid busy roadways and rush hours whenever possible.
• Plan your route before you drive and choose routes with well-lit streets, intersections with left turn signals and easy parking.
• Avoid distractions while driving, including talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, or listening to a loud radio.
• Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can react if the other driver stops or slows suddenly.
• Do not drive too slowly, as this can be as unsafe as speeding.