BOSTON – New research from the AAA foundation shows a disturbing result.
Nearly 90% of elderly drivers are not taking advantage of inexpensive adaptations to their vehicles that can improve safety. They can also extend their time behind the wheel.
Pedal extensions, seat cushions and steering wheel covers and convex mirrors are just a few that can reduce the chance of an accident.
AAA’s Mary Maguire says there are more seniors on the road than most people think: “We now know that across the country, almost 1 in every 5 drivers is 65 or older, so this is an issue that is not going to go away. It’s an issue that we’re all going to be living with for a long time.”
They are planning more research on older drivers, hoping to obtain critical information like the risks and transportation needs of America’s aging population.
The research shows that many are driving with muscle and joint issues.
Maguire explains that safety information is easy to obtain: “We have a terrific older driver website, so you can go to AAA.com and click on that site and you can get all sorts of great information relevant to older drivers.”