When we’re young and in a car crash, speed or distraction is generally the reason it occurred. When we’re older, however, factors such as vision, decision-making and issues of right-of-way become the top causes of crashes.
By 2030, there will be more than 70 million people age 65 and older, and approximately 85-90 percent of them will be licensed to drive.
Senior drivers are among the safest drivers on the road and often reduce their risk of injury by wearing safety belts, not drinking and driving and by observing speed limits; however, seniors are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash due to age-related fragility. With the exception of teenagers, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile driven.
As we age, our physical condition – especially when it comes to eyesight and movement – changes, making it important for older drivers to learn ways to compensate. One way to learn how to sharpen these methods is to take a defensive driving course.
Another way for older drivers to remain safe is to be aware of their weaknesses while driving. To help, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the top five situations that older drivers are typically in when they are involved in a crash.
- Making a left turn at an intersection with a stop sign.
- Failing to yield at a left turn when the light is green but does not have a dedicated green arrow.
- Turning right at a yield sign to merge with traffic at speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour.
- Merging onto a highway with a ramp that has a yield sign.
- Changing lanes on a highway with four or more lanes.
As a safety advocate, AAA offers six ways to compensate for age-related issues:
- Plan your route before you drive.
- Drive during daylight, good weather and light traffic.
- Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left-turn arrows and easy parking.
- Leave a large following distance behind the car in front of you.
- Wear a seat belt and avoid distractions in your car.
- Consider alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend or using public transportation.
AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving for as long as safely possible. To learn more, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com.