AARP and Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital have teamed up to host a four-hour driver refresher course for individuals 50 years of age and older in Alexandria. These courses are extremely important since statistics show that older drivers account for 14% of all traffic fatalities and 17% of pedestrian fatalities. As our general population continues to age, more and more elderly drivers will be behind the wheels. To help cut down on elderly driver involved car crashes, refresher courses should be encouraged and promoted.
The good news is that older drivers tend to wear seat belts more often than younger drivers and are involved in less drunk driving situations. They also are less aggressive, obey speed limits and are generally more courteous than younger drivers. However, as people age their reflexes, vision and hand-to-eye coordination lessens. To keep on top of their driving game elderly drivers should be encouraged to keep up their driving skills through these type of programs and of course, to have regular physical and vision checkups.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
