DRIVING TIPS FOR SENIORS By WILLIAM T. SUNLEY, Engineer of Local Roads and Streets

In 1987, senior drivers over the age of 65 years were involved in more than 49,000 vehicle crashes. In 1991, that figure was down by 6.8 percent with not quite 47,000 senior drivers involved in crashes. This is great news considering that the number of drivers in this age group has increased over the past five years.

Although the greatest number of drivers involved in crashes is in the 25-34 year age group, there is existing data that suggests the crash risk for senior drivers is relatively higher than for that of the average driver. And the number of older drivers will remain on the increase.

The Census Bureau reports that in 1960, there were more than 16 million people over the age of 65. They have estimated that by the year 2010, there will be nearly 40 million people 65 and older.

The aging process brings on problems which are believed to affect driving. Some of these problems include: decreasing vision, hearing loss, lack of mobility; in some cases, combined prescription and over-the-counter drugs may affect driving skills.

With increased emphasis on the use of safety belts, required vision and medical testing, and road testing, there are efforts being made to enable senior drivers to maintain safe driving records for longer periods of time.

There have been several studies by the Illinois Department of Transportation to find ways to aid the older driver. Some of the findings are to improve street names signs, traffic signals, pavement markings and construction/maintenance signing. Street name signs can be improved by using larger print along with improved and advanced sign placement. Traffic signals have been modernized to include street name and other informational signs on the mast arms. There have been some complaints that the signs are hard to read at night, so it has been recommended that signal related signs also be post mounted. At intersections, the pedestrian control signal should be checked for timing and ensure it is clear which street crossing is controlled by the button. The use of raised pavement markers and reflectorized paint on curbs and raised medians have aided drivers in unfamiliar or night driving. In construction/maintenance signaling, the use of dimmer switches on arrowboards at night and advance warning signs at work sites. These are some of the things we are looking at as a way of helping drivers of any age. It is requested that all drivers have patience until some of these procedures can be put to use.

Most older drivers are aware of their limitations and keep their driving to nonpeak daylight hours. All drivers need to recognize that senior drivers have special problems and to anticipate the unexpected.

The National Safety Council, the American Association of Retired Persons, the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety, and some other automobile clubs have booklets and in some cases, classes or course instruction that will explain how to deal with physical changes during the aging process. In addition, if senior drivers take advantage of these classes, some insurance companies will offer reduced rates.

Illinois also offers a driving refresher course and additionally, any driver 75 or older applying for license renewal must take both a driving and a vision test. After age 80, the license is valid for two years, and after age 85, the license is valid for one year.

A good piece of advice for seniors is to learn all you can about walking and using alternative modes of transportation like buses, trains or car pools before you have to give up driving yourself. Knowing there are alternatives will make the decision to give up driving an easier one. •

February 1993 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 9