Seniors and Safe Driving

Cars provide us with an amazing amount of independence, which most of us want to keep as long as we can.

Each year there are more seniors on the road. It is estimated that in 2020, the US will have over 54 million Americans over 65 years old, and many of them will be driving. It could be you or your spouse or your parents or grandparents.

How can we insure safety for one and all, given these statistics? The Senior Drivers Organization, a part of the AAA Safety Foundation, has excellent advice.

In addressing your own particular concerns, they recommend that you keep in mind these three principles:

(1) Understand each individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

Experts agree that driving ability generally begins to deteriorate at age 55, but you cannot use that to predict any individual’s ability. Older people are not all the same.

Even so, the statistics do give cause for concern. Even though they drive fewer miles, older drivers are more likely to have accidents. The rate of accidents continues to rise steadily for drivers over 65, who are involved in more accidents than any other age group except teenagers. And because they are more fragile, the fatality rate is nearly 20 times greater than that for other adult drivers.

(2) Communicate openly and respectfully.

Despite those above statistics, most older drivers who are interviewed consider themselves as being safer drivers than younger folks. If you are concerned about the driving ability of an aging spouse, parent, or grandparent, remember that no one wants to be called a dangerous driver.

(3) Plan early.

We take our driving so much for granted that it is the rare person who gives any thought to how their transportation needs might change as they approach retirement. It is common to invest time working out plans for housing, health care, etc., but not how we will get from place to place. Take the time for yourself or with a family member to look at the transportation issue for the “golden years.”

The Senior Driver Organization suggests that the senior drivers plan on regular medical check-ups and driving assessments, choose a safer car, and identify alternative modes of transportation. It is a lot easier to accept public transportation, for example, if you have experimented with it earlier.

Remember that good driving can be rewarded by insurance companies with insurance discounts. For New York auto insurance rate quotes, depend on your professional local agent. As you plan your transportation needs at any age, consult your Hudson Valley insurance agent for the best policies at the best prices from the top carriers in the nation.