EnCompass®
The AAA Companion

Commentary

Helping mature drivers stay safer longer

AAA Colorado is committed to numerous transportation, road safety and driver-related issues—including the “Lifelong Safe Mobility” initiative. AAA wants to help all drivers continue to drive for as long as is safely possible. AAA is working to help all drivers know and understand their capabilities and challenges behind the wheel.

Toward that goal, the January/February issue of EnCompass ran an article announcing a newly developed CD-ROM, AAA Roadwise Review: A Tool to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer—that is a scientifically validated self-assessment product to help mature drivers.

The May/June issue of EnCompass will publish “Keys to Independence,” a full-length feature article written by Alicia Abell that details the senior safety and mobility issue and offers recommendations for both seniors and their adult children.

As a prelude to that article, we offer the following resources related to this important issue and welcome any comments and suggestions addressed to: AAA Colorado, Mary Greer, Commentary, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave, Denver, CO 80222, or mgreer@colorado.aaa.com.

Resources

General Information

• AAA Exchange: aaaexchange.com. Go to “Senior Driver Safety and Mobility.” Includes information on senior-friendly road design, driver-screening tools, educational programs, vehicle safety improvements and alternative transportation options.

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's Senior Driver website: seniordrivers.org. Comprehensive website on senior driving, including self-assessments, driving tips and senior transportation resources.

• American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators' GrandDriver Program: granddriver.info. Information on aging and driving.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov. Click on “Traffic Safety” and scroll to “Older Drivers.” Includes information on physical conditions and diseases that affect driving.

Alternative transportation

• AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: (202) 638-5944, seniordrivers.org/STPs/profiles.cfm.

Supplemental transportation programs listed by state

• Beverly Foundation: (626) 792-2292, beverlyfoundation.org. Information on senior- friendly transportation.

Driver rehabilitation specialists

• American Occupational Therapy Association: aota.org/olderdriver. Go to “Find a Driving Rehab Specialist.”

Licensing renewal

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: iihs.org/safety_facts/state_laws/older_drivers.htm. State-by-state list of licensing renewal procedures for older drivers.

Refresher courses

• AAA Safe Driving for Mature Operators Program: aaaexchange.com. Click on “Senior Driver Safety and Mobility,” then “Safe Driving for Mature Operators.”

• AARP Driver Safety Program: aarp.org/life/drive.