March 1999
State Patrol offers tips to help older drivers

Colonel Kenneth B. Marshall
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

Nationally, between 1976-1996, the number of drivers age 70 and over increased from 7.2 million to 17.1 million.

Crashes involving drivers age 55 and older rank only behind drivers age 16-20 as the largest percentage by age group involved in crashes in Ohio. In 1997, the most recent year for which complete statistics are available, drivers age 55 and older were involved in 91,312 motor vehicle crashes on Ohio roads.

Older drivers can be safe drivers by making a few simple adjustments to their driving behavior.

Research indicates mature drivers rank lower in aggressive actions including speeding, following too closely, and drunk driving.

However, mature drivers rank higher in comprehension errors including confusion in congested situations and misunderstanding of signs.

Many mature drivers do make necessary safety adjustments in their driving behavior based on their own experiences and skill levels.

Automobiles provide a sense of independence, convenience, and a practical mode of travel. It is important though to acknowledge, and work to overcome, the safety problems associated with driving as related to increased age.

The safety problems of mature drivers are rooted in the process of aging. The changes that occur due to aging affect vision, concentration levels, and reaction times.

The driving errors often committed by mature drivers reflect these changes and include failure to yield, wide turns, and improper backing.

This is not to say older drivers are unsafe drivers. Rather, it means older drivers should be more aware of safety, be honest about driving skills, and adjust driving practices accordingly.

The following is a checklist of tips to help older drivers stay safe.

• Be alert of the surrounding cars on the roadways, and maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Be on the lookout for other cars, and ensure the vehicle’s mirrors are properly adjusted. Do not wear glasses with side pieces that could obstruct your view.
• Drive the speed limit, and stay in the right lane whenever possible. Do not drive too slowly because this can be just as unsafe for you and other motorists as speeding.
• Scan the road for signs and signals. Know the signs by shape, and know what the standard symbols mean.
• Drive during non-rush hours whenever possible, and try to stay on familiar roads.
• Do not feel pressured into making a turn or passing until you are sure you can do it safely. Go as slowly as necessary to stay in your lane when turning, and be sure to use turn signals. recommend
• If you are taking medicine, even non-prescription drugs, ask you doctor or pharmacist if it might affect your driving.

Every person in the vehicle should always wear a safety belt. Safety belts can prevent serious injuries and even death, and keep occupants from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash.

Before grandchildren visit, ensure they will be protected in a child safety seat if they will be traveling in the grandparent’s car. Children in safety seats will be protected, and will be less of a distraction to driving.

In Ohio, child safety seats are mandatory for children under four-years of age or who weigh under 40 pounds.

There are several ways to get travel and safety information from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

In February, the Patrol unveiled a new non-emergency, toll-free telephone number for the entire state, 1-877-7-PATROL (1-877-772-8765). That number will not replace 1-800-GRAB-DUI, or cellular *DUI to report impaired drivers, but serves as another way to reach the Patrol on a local level.

Also remember, the Highway Pa-trol’s 1-888-2-OH-ROAD (1-888-264-7623) number is an excellent way to check travel conditions throughout Ohio.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to keeping the roadways in Ohio among the safest to travel in the nation. I hope mature drivers will share in the responsibility of ensuring safety on our roads.