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Bradford County commissioner to challenge Congressman Marino in primary

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; If older drivers would consider making the necessary adaptations to their vehicles, they would likely reduce crash risk and extend the time they can continue to drive, according to a report done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.</p><p>The report shows that nearly 90 percent of older drivers do not make inexpensive adaptations to their vehicles that can improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel. Common vehicle adaptations like pedal extensions, seat cushions and steering wheel covers can help to improve safety by reducing a senior driver&#8217;s crash risk.</p><p>The AAA report shows that in 2016, for Pennsylvania&#8217;s average senior driver &#8212; age 65 and older &#8212; the crash rate was 16.1 percent &#8212; higher than the national average of 13.1 percent.</p><p>The report also shows that drivers older than 65 are 17 times more likely than younger ones to be injured or killed when involved in a crash.</p><p>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2016 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Overview shows that between 2007 and 2016, the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes age 65 and older increased almost 20 percent &#8212; the only age group to do so.</p><p>By 2030, AAA says one in five U.S. adults will be 65 or older.</p><p>Researchers are currently engaged in generating the largest and most comprehensive senior driver database in existence. This critical information will support in-depth research to better understand the risks and transportation needs of our aging population.</p><p>&#8220;While many seniors are considered to be safe drivers, they are also the most vulnerable,&#8221; said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. &#8220;Our research suggests that most senior drivers are not taking advantage of simple and inexpensive features that can greatly improve their safety and the safety of others on the road.&#8221;</p><p>In the LongROAD study, more than 70 percent of senior drivers had experienced health conditions that impact muscles and bones such as arthritis, hip/knee replacement and joint pains. Some seniors in the study reduced their driving due to these conditions. The installation of certain devices like steering wheel covers can help lessen the impact of arthritis while larger mirrors and assistive devices on seats can help with limited neck mobility.</p><p>For this phase of the study, researchers investigated 12 vehicle adaptations and found that fewer than nine percent of senior drivers reported using any of the devices in their vehicles.</p><p>Of those drivers who have a device, almost 90 percent reported that they did not work with a trained professional to install the modification, a key recommendation by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).</p><p>AAA urges drivers to consult with a trained technician to guide them in making adjustments to their vehicle.</p><p>&#8220;When an ache or pain begins hindering driving ability, many older drivers are able to continue driving safely after making a few adjustments,&#8221; says Elin Schold Davis, project coordinator of the American Occupational Therapy Association&#8217;s Older Driver Initiative. &#8220;Occupational therapy practitioners trained in driving rehabilitation are especially valuable in connecting the dots between medical challenges that can affect driving and the appropriate equipment and adaptations needed to remain safely independent in the vehicle.&#8221;</p><p>Vehicle adaptations also benefit seniors&#8217; mental health by extending their time on the road. Previous research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that seniors who have stopped driving are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times more likely to enter a long-term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Bill O&#8217;Boyle</p><p>boboyle@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Bill O&#8217;Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Vehicle adaptations could make driving safer for seniors