Senior drivers 70 years of age or older who take classroom driving improvement courses and behind the wheel training can improve their driving performance, according to a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Yale University.
Out of 27 million people currently aged 70 or older in the United States, an estimated 20 million have active drivers’ licenses. The Census Bureau predicts by 2020, people 70 or over will grow to 37 million and by 2030, over 50 million. The study was undertaken to research ways to reduce the safety risk of older drivers, according to AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.
“An intervention, such as driving improvement classes that include behind-the-wheel training, can enhance senior driving performance and potentially prolong their safe driving years,” Kissinger said. “Hopefully, this study will encourage seniors, families and health care professionals to engage in discussions about this important traffic safety issue.”
The research, “Enhancement of Driver Performance Among Older Drivers,” used 126 drivers aged 70 years or older who recorded sub-optimal driving performance scores during road tests. Participants were then divided into two groups, one undergoing eight-hours of classroom training, based in part on AAA’s Driver Improvement Program, plus two-hours of behind-the-wheel training and the other serving as the control group. Drivers who took the classroom and on-road training showed significant improvement in their driving skills.
“Senior drivers cherish their mobility and families and health professionals struggle with the issue of how long their loved one or patient should be allowed to drive,” said Kissinger. “This study shows there are ways to improve driving performance of seniors.”
“There are a number of changes that can occur with aging that may potentially affect driving safety,” said Dr. Richard Marottoli, the study’s principal investigator from Yale University. “Doctors and other rehabilitation specialists can take an active role in helping seniors identify and work on potential problems in advance that may limit their mobility later.”
The report “Enhancement of Driver Performance Among Older Drivers,” is available online at www.aaafoundation.org.
