AAA Supports Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in the US

By supporting the Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the American Automobile Association encourages advanced planning and open discussions between older people and their families, in order to carefully assess their abilities to drive.

"Many people do not know where to turn for help to address the safety and mobility challenges often faced by older drivers and their families. AAASeniors.com provides the tools needed to create an action plan to help manage the inevitable consequences of aging, and the effects of aging on driving ability," said Jake Nelson, director, AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research.

According to the US authorities, by 2030 one person in five will be 65 years old or older. And 90 percent of these people have a driver’s license, so taking advice seriously and finding out if you are still able to drive will become very important.

"People age 65 and older represent the fastest growing segment of the country's population, which makes their safe driving ability an issue that millions of families are facing. AAA encourages seniors and their families to use Older Driver Safety Awareness Week as an opportunity to begin a conversation about safe mobility. AAA can provide the resources needed to help guide them through this process," said Nelson.

In most cases, discussion about a person’s ability to drive can become difficult, as such a subject can trigger strong emotional reactions. Apart from the idea of getting older, old people might find themselves feeling powerless due to the lack of mobility which only a car can solve.