Photo: Jared Brosnan/WBZ NewsRadio
WESTWOOD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — AAA is encouraging people with older family members and relatives to discuss driving safety during Older Americans Month, which runs during May.
Recent studies from the U.S. Census Bureau have revealed that the US population of adults aged 65 and over increased by 34 percent.
The latest statistics from the Federal Highway Administration showed that there were over 51 million licensed drivers aged 65 and up.
In Massachusetts, there are approximately 1.07 million licensed drivers aged 65+, this includes 200,000 drivers over the age of 80.
While research from AAA has revealed that older drivers are less likely to cause problems and pose risky driving behaviors on the roadways related to speeding or driving under the influence, the research suggests that people over 80 years old are more vulnerable and likely to serious or fatal injuries in car accidents.
See Also: AAA Encourages Senior Driver Safety Conversations As Fatal Crash Rate Rises
AAA also advises families to share helpful driving tips with older members of their families such as reviewing new technologies in your vehicle, monitoring your health, and adjusting driving habits when necessary.
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