Phoenix, Ariz., January 13, 2009. By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be 65 or older and at least 90 percent of this population will be licensed to drive. While AAA Arizona understands that driving is a function of ability, not age, the auto club also understands that a motorist's driving ability is affected by natural changes that take place as life spans increase.
To assist the growing number of retirees across the state, AAA Arizona is increasing its mature driver offerings in 2009. The auto club’s goal is to inform and educate motorists on the challenges they will face with age, so they can be proactive in staying behind the wheel as long as safely possible.
“While older drivers have the most experience on the roads and are statistically one of the safest driving populations, they also face obstacles that can have adverse effects on their driving, such as deteriorating vision and slower reaction times,” said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. “Through our offerings specifically designed for the 55-plus demographic, we hope to help mature motorists sharpen their skills so they can continue to drive as long as they are safely able to do so.”
AAA Arizona’s mature driver offerings include:
- Keeping the Keys, a free 90-minute workshop that aims to educate and inform mature drivers on the effects that age can have on their driving. In addition, the workshop offers mature drivers tools and resources they can use to maintain their mobility. Workshops are offered at a variety of locations. To schedule, contact AAA’s traffic safety specialist at 602.241.2945 or rbravo@arizona.aaa.com. The next workshop will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 22 at AAA Arizona’s Phoenix headquarters.
- CarFit, a free assessment that offers mature drivers the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicle "fits" them. At the assessment, trained CarFit technicians check to see that motorists have a clear line of sight, properly adjusted headrests, easy access to the gas and brake pedals and more. There are several AAA branch offices across the state with trained CarFit technicians. Appointments are necessary. To schedule, contact AAA’s traffic safety specialist at 602.241.2945 or rbravo@arizona.aaa.com.
- Roadwise Review, a computer-based self-assessment tool that seniors can use in the comfort of their own home. Roadwise Review measures the eight functional abilities shown to be the strongest predictors of crash risk among senior drivers.
- Mature Driver Online Safety Course (55 years +), an online course that enables motorists aged 55 years or older to work at their own pace. Upon course completion of the course, drivers are eligible to receive a discount on their insurance through AAA.
- Mature Driver Assessment and Training Program with Driving MBA, a AAA Approved Driving School. This two-hour program provides a full assessment of a mature driver's visual, cognitive and reactive abilities on state-of-the-art simulators. AAA members save 5 percent on the course.
- AAASeniors.com, a Web site solely dedicated to mature drivers and their families. The site offers tips, tools, resources, videos and a variety of other information for and about mature drivers.
For more information on the above offerings or to access AAA articles, studies or additional research on mature drivers, visit http://www.aaaaz.com/news/SeniorDrivers.htm.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.
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