Press Release - 12-05-2016

DMV News


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Monday, December 5, 2016

 

Contacts: 
Joe Morrissey             [email protected]       
Rich Meddaugh          [email protected]

Barbara Stubblebine   [email protected]

 

Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Highlights Older Driver Safety Awareness Week 
Week-long initiative to promote understanding and awareness for New York’s older drivers

 

The New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), the NYS Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), and New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today recognized Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which takes place from December 5 through December 9.  During this observance, GTSC will launch a social media campaign on its Facebook and Twitter accounts directed at both older drivers and those who may have an older driver in their family.

 

Acting GTSC Chair and DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, “Older drivers are an important population on New York’s roadways. They are conscientious, attentive, and among the safest drivers we have. Older Driver Safety Awareness Week encourages families and individuals to better communicate in order to address important driver safety issues as that may arise with older drivers, while promoting safety in our communities.”

 

Greg Olsen, Acting Director of the NYS Office for the Aging said, “For most New Yorkers, driving is an essential part of our daily lives—a lifeline to our communities—seeing family and friends, getting to work, the supermarket, pharmacy, and a doctor’s office, among others. Driving is a highly complicated skill, but it is also a process that experienced drivers do almost subconsciously.  New York State is experiencing an unprecedented surge in its aging population, primarily due to the aging of the Baby Boom age cohort.  New York ranks fourth in the nation with 3.7 million people age 60 and over, and this number will only continue to increase. It is important for older drivers and their caregivers to develop an action plan to help ensure they stay safe behind the wheel.”

 

Older adults, as a group, are among the safest drivers on the roads. Drivers over age 55 are involved in fewer crashes, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are more likely to observe safer driving behaviors. However, older drivers are also more likely to be killed or injured in traffic crashes due to age-related vulnerabilities, such as more fragile bones, prescription medication use, and chronic medical conditions. With the exception of teen drivers, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile driven, even though they drive fewer miles than younger people and employ their own safety strategies.

 

Established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Older Driver Safety Awareness Week promotes the importance of mobility and transportation safety to ensure older adults remain active in the community and that transportation will not be the barrier stranding them at home.

 

In 2009, AAA data estimated 33 million licensed drivers were over age 65 – a 20 percent increase from 1999. By 2030, 70 million Americans in the U.S. will be over age 65 – and 85 to 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive.

 

In 2015, GTSC and the NYSOFA launched a website to promote older driver safety titled “Safe Driving Tips for Older New Yorkers.” The website encourages the use of online and in-person safety training, car safety check programs, and information and resources to help older drivers understand safe options for roadway safety. Older drivers are also encouraged to contact their local Office for the Aging to learn about transportation alternatives in their communities.

 

NYSOFA offers help for families with concerns about older drivers. "When You Are Concerned," a helpful handbook available online, is a guide for families facing the dilemma of what to do when an aging loved one is at risk. New Yorkers can also call 1-800-342-9871 and ask to be connected to the Older Driver Family Assistance Program, or fine help in a nearby NYSOFA local office.

 

For more information about driver safety programs across New York, click see the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee web site.

 

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