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Consumer Tips: Courses can help senior drivers stay sharp on the road


Experience counts, and seniors are the most experienced drivers behind the wheel. They also tend to drive safer cars. And, when they recognize signs of diminishing driving skills, many limit their driving to daylight hours and familiar roads.

A car provides a level of independence and, in many cases, has provided an individual with independence for decades. But, there comes a time when driving skills may begin to diminish. When older drivers update their understanding of the rules of the road and make a few adjustments to their driving style, they make the roads safer for all of us.

Diminishing skills
As we age, our eyesight wanes, hearing falters and reflexes slow. Senior drivers have higher rates of fatal crashes, based on miles driven, than any other group except young drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

More than 4,000 people aged 70 and older were killed in traffic accidents in 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. By 2020, there will be more than 40 million drivers in this age group on the road, up from 36.8 million in 2013.

Senior driving courses
Refresher courses such as AAA’s Roadwise Driver may be beneficial for older drivers. They explain new driving laws and new vehicle features, such as lane departure warning systems, and help seniors recognize physical limitations in vision, hearing and mobility. These programs also help drivers understand how to compensate for these limitations. Courses may be offered in classrooms or online and may result in an auto insurance discount.

Identifying the signs of diminishing driving skills
If you have concerns about the driving of an elderly parent or friend, you may want to be aware of a few signs of possibly unsafe driving behavior. Some indicators include drivers who:

  • Have a number of dents, scratches or other marks on their car
  • Have trouble reading or seeing road signs while driving
  • Are easily distracted or startled while driving
  • Have difficulty turning their head
  • Have hearing loss

Online quizzes and interactive driving evaluation courses from groups such as AAA can also help drivers evaluate their skills. Resources can be found at SeniorDriving.AAA.com.

For more information about auto insurance, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch.