Baby Boomers Are Creating A "Silver Tsunami" Of Aging Drivers

The first wave of America's baby boomers turning sixty-five this year will be driving the "silver tsunami" says the American Automobile Association (AAA). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this segment of the population will increase by seventy-five percent over the next two decades. Research has shown that people today live an average of about 7-10 years beyond their safe driving ability.

"In less than ten years, one in four licensed drivers will be age 65 and older, which means that millions of American families will be working through this challenge," said Jake Nelson, Director at AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. "Most families don't know where to turn for help so by partnering with the American Occupational Therapists Association (AOTA), (we) hope to raise the visibility of resources and tools that will help families address real and perceived challenges associated with driving and aging."

The organization's senior driver safety and mobility website SeniorDriving.AAA.com provides advice and research-based tools for senior drivers and their families. Tools on the site are designed to aid in prompting conversations, assessing abilities, and improving the comfort and safety of older drivers.

Conversations about safe driving can evoke strong emotional reactions as concerns about personal independence and managing other day-to-day activities may come into question. Seniors and their families are encouraged to approach these sensitive conversations as opportunities for constructive communication and problem solving.

To help manage the effects of aging on driving ability, the following resources are offered for older drivers:

Roadwise Review is a computer-based self-screening tool designed to assess a driver's functional abilities important to safe driving
Smart Features for Mature Drivers help to enhance seniors' comfort and safety while driving
Safe Driving for Mature Operators classroom and online courses provide driver training to help address the changes caused by aging and how a driver may compensate

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