AAA Makes Recommendation for Senior Drivers
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Updated: 2:18 PM Jul 11, 2008
AAA Makes Recommendation for Senior Drivers
A new report says we need new ways to gently, but definitively, determine when a driver needs to hand in their license.
Posted: 2:15 PM Jul 11, 2008
Reporter: NBC NewsChannel
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WSAZ) -- A new report says we need new ways to gently, but definitively, determine when a driver needs to hand in their license.

There is concern about what's going to happen when millions of baby boomers start driving over the age of 65.

Traffic safety experts say it's important, because our licensing system isn't set up to weed out those who may need to think about handing in the keys.

Katherine Cofer has had a perfect driving record for over 50 years: no accidents, no tickets and she's never even been stopped by a cop.

"I think when I reach that age when I don't feel comfortable driving, when I feel my reflexes aren't good enough to drive, then I think it's time to quit," explained Cofer.

When to quit is a tough choice that safety experts are urging older drivers to think about before it happens.

"What can we do so that they still retain their independence, their lifestyle, their freedom, even if they can't drive," said Neil Schuster of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

The AAA foundation reports in the next two decades, one in four drivers will be over 65.

Right now, there's not enough alternate transit to handle them.

AAA predicts as many as 10,000 a year could die in accidents if states don't better identify who needs to give up the keys.

Online videos train seniors and even offer quizzes to help them determine when it's time to quit.

AAA wants every state to set up a medical board to help decide, and to protect doctors who report patients they think shouldn't drive.

"What happens right now is most physicians are very reluctant to report those individuals because often times they end up being sued for making that report," said AAA's Peter Kissinger.

"Check the statistics: younger people have as many accidents and older people, and sometimes more," Katherine Cofer, a senior driver.

She expects she'll be driving another 20 years.

She's right.

Last year the Rand Corporation found teens and young adults cause 43% of accidents -- seniors were responsible for only 7%.

The AAA report says it's not about age, it's about ability.


Latest Comments

Posted by: thomj on Jul 12, 2008 at 11:00 PM

Im sorry but after 9 years on the road as a commercail driver i agree%100. In fact people take driving so carelessly the whole system needs tougher restrictions EVERYONE SHOULD BE UNDER THE SAME REGULATION STANDEREDS you people driving cars everyday are too careless!!! I have a friend of mine and while driving down the interstate in fog his trailor ran over a drunk passed out on the white line and the interstate is clearly posted NO PEDISTRIANS and now he's SERVING LIFE IN PRISON AND HIM AND HIS WIFE JUST HAD A BABY!! BUT if that had been john smith in a car chances are nothing would have been done people should have to retrain and learn deffensive driving. And there should enforced laws on cell phones newspapers etc.. Americans don't realize the dangers of the highway and some just don't care and others don't realize do to the aging affect results.. Im sorry if i offended any one but thats the truth!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Grandma on Jul 12, 2008 at 04:45 PM

Hummmm...safety on the road? How about driving while intoxicated? Using a cellphone? Applying makeup? Just read about one younger driver watching a movie on her computer! Many things are more haazardous than older drivers!
Posted by: Sue on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:27 PM

I am more afraid of 16-24 year old drivers who act like they are the only ones on the road. Thing is, I am not that far from that age group but I was in a very serious car accident and grew up fast.
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