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Everybody wants to live a long time and be alert and active.
In our culture, "staying active" means "getting around town,"
which usually means driving a car. With limited public
transportation, especially in rural areas, driving a car is
essential to maintaining independence. Having their own "wheels"
is one of the last freedoms that the elderly will relinquish.
The number of older people with drivers' licenses is
increasing. This is largely due to people living longer.
According to the National Center of Health Statistics, people can
expect to live well into their 80s. In fact, people age 85 and
older are the fastest growing segment of our population.
Insurance companies and transportation departments have
followed closely the senior population and their driving habits.
The Transportation Research Board found that drivers over age 65
are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes and more likely
to die from an automobile accident than drivers age 25 or less.
Even with that frightening data, it's understandable how
difficult it is to "retire from the road." Sharpening your
driving skills could be a way to increase road safety for all.
The Center for Gerontology Studies surveyed seniors to
determine what devices and strategies they used to increase
driving safety. Here are some of their suggestions:
- Install larger side mirrors to improve side and rear
vision.
- Use a steering wheel cover to improve your grip.
- Use beaded seat covers to make it easier to get in and out
of the car.
- Always use signals well in advance, and never make a left
turn without using a signal.
- Don't drive when school buses are running their routes.
- Use local interstates rather than two-lane roads.
The use of local interstates was a surprise. Instead of
avoiding interstates, respondents used them to avoid congested
roads and to reduce on-coming headlight glare when driving at
night.
Another strategy was to take a driver renewal course. These
courses update drivers on traffic regulations and safety issues.
Also, people who complete these courses often get a lower premium
on their auto insurance.
Some courses are especially tailored for older drivers. One
such course is the 55 ALIVE program sponsored by the American
Association for Retired Persons (AARP). For more information,
contact AARP at 601 E. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
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