Helping Older Drivers Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

As a baby boomer, I often pay attention to news stories about my generation. Like most people, I am well aware of the size of this group, but I didn’t consider the implications of having so many older seasoned drivers on the road. As a group, we are often considered safe drivers compared to other age groups because we typically wear safety belts, observe speed limits, and don’t drink and drive. However, this group is more likely to be injured or killed in traffic crashes due to age-related factors. Except for teen drivers, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile driven, even though they drive fewer miles than younger drivers.

Americans are healthier and living longer than ever before, but many are outliving their ability to drive safely by an average of 7 to 10 years. While many older drivers avoid situations where their limitations put them at risk, such as driving at night, during rush hour, or in bad weather, there is still a significant need for additional senior driving instruction. That’s why AAA offers RoadWise classes and other resources to help older drivers drive safer and longer. These 4- and 8-hour courses are offered online, and in-classroom, and are designed to help drivers gain confidence in their driving skills while saving up to 10 percent on auto insurance! AAA offers CarFit, a free educational program for senior drivers to evaluate how well their vehicles fit them for safer driving.

As a leader in driver education, AAA also offers novice (beginner) classroom and behind-the-wheel driving instruction. These courses are engaging, convenient and collaborative, and provide the novice driver with a free, basic associate AAA membership. If you or someone you know needs any type of driver’s education, I encourage you to check out the information, schedules, and resources available online at AAA.com/DrivingSchool.

Drive safe!

Wendy A Weigel
President & CEO, AAA Minneapolis