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Older Driver Safety Awareness: Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe

Posted on 12/04/24

December 2 to 6, 2024, is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (ODSAW), a time to empower older adults to improve their safety on the nation’s roadways. This is important because – even though they are safe drivers overall – older drivers are more vulnerable to severe injury or even death when involved in a vehicle crash.

Between 2012 and 2021, the U.S. population of people 65 and older increased by 29%. Fatal traffic crashes involving older drivers 65+ years old increased by 4.7 percent from 7,515 in 2021 to 7,870 in 2022, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More crucially, the number of fatalities in traffic crashes involving older drivers in 2022 was the highest since NHTSA began tracking in 1975. As the older driver population continues to increase on our nation’s roads, it is essential to optimize the driving experience by helping them become more confident, knowledgeable drivers. Doing so can reduce the negative human, financial, and social costs and make driving safer for all.

ODSAW is also a time where many organizations come together to share valuable resources for older drivers and their family members. AARP Driver Safety (ADS) has been offering driver safety improvement courses since 1979. Today, ADS offers a variety of programs to help drivers stay safe, confident, independent, and connected in their communities.

  • AARP Smart Driver™ course: AARP Driver Safety’s flagship program, it is the nation’s first and longest-running safe driving course designed for older drivers. It is available nationwide in a classroom or online setting. Plus, upon completing the course, some participants may be eligible for multiyear discount on their auto insurance.*
    For the month of December, ADS is offering 25% off the Smart Driver online course with promo code HOLIDAY.
  • CarFit: A free, in-person educational program that helps older drivers make adjustments in their car to ensure it “fits” just right for maximum safety and comfort. CarFit was created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
  • We Need to Talk: A free program that provides online information and in-person seminars to help families have those difficult conversations with family and loved ones about when to hang up the keys and stop driving. It is available in English and Spanish.
  • AARP Smart DriverTEK: A free workshop on the latest vehicle safety technology. The workshop is available online, virtually via Zoom, or in-person in select markets.
  • AARP SafeTrip™: A free smartphone app that lets drivers securely monitor key driving behaviors like braking, accelerating, and phone use — proven indicators of safe driving practices and crash prevention. So drivers can more clearly see how they’re doing and how they can improve.
  • AARP Driver Safety Quick Learnings: Free educational resources on vehicles, driving and alternative transportation.

You can also find older driver resources and information from other great organizations:

* Upon completion, you may be eligible to receive an auto insurance discount. Other restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details.

This story is provided by AARP Pennsylvania. Visit the AARP Pennsylvania page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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