Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (December 6-10, 2021) aims to promote the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older adults remain active in the community (i.e., shopping, working, volunteering, etc.) 

AAA research shows that daily exercise and stretching can help older drivers to improve overall body flexibility and move more freely to observe the road from all angles. Physical strength also helps drivers remain alert to potential hazards on the road and perform essential driving functions, like:

• Braking
• Steering
• Parking 
• Looking to the side and rear
• Adjusting the safety belts
• Sitting for long periods of time

“Some decline in physical fitness is inevitable as we age,” said Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “But, research shows that exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to produce positive results.  You can spread out the time you spend being physically active over the course of your day and week.  A few minutes at a time can be sufficient. Simple steps to keep active can keep you driving safely for longer.”

AAA Western and Central New York offers professional driving assessments that are helpful to older drivers who want to be a safe driver for as long as possible. Driving performance should be assessed regularly. Think about getting a professional driving assessment just like an annual wellness checkup – it’s a smart way to identify and manage any physical or mental changes.

It's time to get a comprehensive driving skills evaluation or clinical driving assessment if:

• You are concerned that your driving skills may have diminished over time.
• You have concerns regarding results of informal self-assessments, such as Drivers 65 Plus.
• You have been diagnosed with a medical condition known to impact driving ability (e.g., impaired vision, dementia, diabetes, seizures, sleep disorders, stroke).
• You have experienced a recent increase in near misses or minor crashes (fender benders).
• Friends and/or family have suggested that you may not be fit to drive.

AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving for as long as safely possible. And AAA is also committed to promoting viable transportation options for seniors who can no longer drive independently. You can learn more information at www.AAA.com/Senior. AAA also offers defensive driving classes that qualify for an insurance discount. You can learn more at www.AAA.com/DriverTraining.