Older Driver Safety Awareness Week Is Dec. 5-9
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the number of licensed drivers over 70 increased 75% from 1997 to 2020. This is partially due to U.S. demographics, in which Americans over 65 represent the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. population. But it also reflects a trend in American driving habits. Older adults are generally driving more miles and keeping their licenses longer than previous generations.
Unfortunately, older drivers also face a heightened risk of injury or death compared to other age groups. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Drivers over 85 have the highest rate of crash fatalities for all age groups – except the youngest group of drivers – and this number is rising.
To raise awareness for the safety of older drivers, the NHTSA is launching Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, running Dec. 5-9, 2022.
Common Causes of Crashes
Safe driving requires the combined skills of seeing, processing and reacting. But visual, cognitive and physical function can decrease with age. According to the Federal Highway Administration, common mistakes among older drivers include:
Inadequate surveillance (failing to look or respond)
Inadequate depth perception
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Failure to merge, change lanes or overtake properly
Safe Driving Tips
But old age alone is not a reason to give up driving. Driving can provide older adults with a sense of community and independence. If they live in suburban or rural areas, it may also be a necessity for them to get to the grocery store or to medical appointments.
Many older drivers self-moderate their driving to reduce the risk to themselves and to others. These safety behaviors include:
Avoiding rush hour
Not driving at night
Driving shorter distances and fewer miles than other age groups
For more information on how you can plan ahead to ensure the safety of your older loved visit the American Occupational Therapy Association website.
Contact us today for more safety information.
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