A huge study following 2,990 drivers between the ages of 65 and 79 are providing important scientific information about older drivers. It’s called the LongROAD Study. The people in the study live in five different cities in Michigan, Maryland, New York, Colorado, and California. The current results suggest that while older adults are concerned about losing … Read more
Once you decide you want to be safer and allot additional money for the safety features in new cars, it takes some time to learn how to use them. In fact, in a recent research American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) study over half of participants had at least one advanced safety feature technology in … Read more
When asked, most older adults will answer that they are excellent drivers – or at least better than many of the younger drivers on the road! Actually, research data supports that older adults are generally more conservative drivers who take fewer risks. However, as in other aspects of human life, many drivers have some bad habits that could put … Read more
Good news for drivers aged 70-79! In a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the data shows that drivers in the 70s are now less likely to be involved in fatal crash than middle age drivers between 35-54. This is a major reversal of statistics, as fatal crashes of drivers in their 70’s being higher than … Read more
The simple answer is “YES”. Research has shown that many of the safety features has already saved lives. A recent report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), compared rates of police reported crashes and insurance claims for vehicles and without technologies. Here are a few of the results (June 2019): Forward … Read more
That is a very good question! And, just like many things, it depends on who you ask. If you ask the licensing agencies, it is a short 10-15 minute drive when you get your first license. The licensing agency wants to see you control the vehicle and understand the rules of the road. It is best called … Read more
Welcome to Plan for the Road Ahead. As a Baby Boomer, I remember getting my driving permit shortly after my 16th birthday and taking my driver’s test as soon as it was possible. I lived in rural areas of the country most of my life and have always depended on driving to get where I wanted … Read more
“But mom, I’d be glad to take you to the hairdresser. You don’t have to drive.” She just does not understand. I like it when she takes me places, but I want my car, right there, for me. It is my independence, and it’s important to me to always have that option, to see it, even if I … Read more
The bottom line: Yes. When driving to an unfamiliar destination, even in your own town, using a GPS to find the address will improve your safety. In a study funded by the federal government, I drove with 80 older adults to unfamiliar destinations in Greenville, NC. Half of the group had used GPS before, and … Read more
