The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the week of December 7-11 as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.
The number of Americans ages 65 and older increased by 32 percent from 2009 to 2018, and crash fatalities in this age group increased by 30 percent.
States across the country are joining the week to help promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation for older adults and to ensure they can remain active in their communities without transportation becoming a barrier to their mobility.
“With increasing age come changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s continued ability to drive safely,” said Sylvia Cordy, a traffic safety advocate with the Denver-based Reaching Older Adult Drivers program. “But there are a variety of safe travel options and focusing on these solutions is key.”
Colorado’s Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families is available for free here: www.drivesmartcolorado.cominfo@drivesmartcolorado.com.
NHTSA offers resources to help people learn more about how to recognize and discuss changes in their loved ones’ driving. For more information, visit the NHTSA resource page.
