President's Message


Tony DeNovellis
President and CEO

Safe driving for life

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older by 2030, with an estimated 90% of those people licensed to drive. Although good driving is a matter of ability, not age, we are all inevitably affected by physical changes as we get older. After 50, visual acuity, flexibility, strength and reaction time all begin to decrease — and all are significant factors in safe driving.

One of the most emotionally charged questions we are asked at AAA Colorado is how to talk to an older relative about his or her driving ability. Many families will, at some point, face this difficult conversation. In many cases, a crash or a frightening near miss spurs family members to finally bring it up.

It’s a topic that sparks strong reactions. Nobody likes being told that perhaps their driving isn’t as good as it could be. Valid concerns about personal independence and managing day-to-day activities are also a major factor for most people.

The best time to talk is before driving ability is affected. In many cases, all that is needed for continued safety and mobility as a driver gets older is a regular self-assessment and some simple adjustments in driving habits to compensate for the natural physical effects of aging.

AAA has a range of tools and resources to help seniors plan for their future as a safe driver.

  • AAA Roadwise Review is a computer-based self-assessment tool designed to assess a driver’s functional abilities — physical abilities, reaction time and more — and provide confidential feedback.
  • CarFit and AAA’s Smart Features for Mature Drivers are brochures on how to enhance comfort and safety while driving, including how to check whether a driver “fits” their vehicle well.
  • The I Drive Safely online course provides driver training to help compensate for the changes caused by aging. Mature drivers who complete the course can also receive a discount on their automobile insurance.
  • AAA’s safety and mobility web site, www.AAASeniors.com, has a range of information and resources that are designed to aid in prompting conversations, assessing abilities and creating an action plan to improve a mature driver’s safety on the road.

AAA Colorado encourages all members who may be in this situation — whether as an older driver, or as a friend or family member — to take the first step. Open the conversation and make a plan for the future. Please visit www.AAASeniors.com or call 303-753-8800 ext. 8105 for more information on the issues facing mature drivers.

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