Buffalo, NY, June 4, 2008 --According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 500,000 drivers, aged 70 and older were involved in police-reported motor vehicle crashes in 2006, including 4,265 fatal crashes. With the exception of teenagers, mature drivers have the highest crash rate per mile among all drivers.
"AAA recognizes that there are different situations and circumstances that older drivers face," said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. "Today's driving environment is in a constant state of change and AAA is committed to providing the most current information and driving techniques to help ensure mature drivers remain safe drivers."
AAA Western and Central New York is pleased to offer new driving programs to help seniors become safer behind the wheel. AAA's Safe Driving for Mature Operators is a driver improvement course that addresses the physiological, psychological and sociological changes that accompany driving while aging. This course presents defensive driving techniques mature drivers can employ to better cope with today's driving environment and extend their safe-driving years.
"There is a need to help older adults maintain independent mobility for as long as safely possible," said Mike Formanowicz, Manager of Driver Programs for AAA. "Driving is a lifelong skill that needs to be consistently nurtured." Course participants will also be eligible to receive up to a 10 percent discount on their insurance premium and a four point reduction on their driving record for violations occurring in the last 18 months.
AAA is also offering a state-of-the-art, computer based driving assessment tool that enables participants to measure their functional driving abilities scientifically, linking results to crash risk statistics among older drivers. On completion, the program identifies potential problem areas and suggests ways to correct them. In addition, one-on-one in-car evaluations with a AAA certified driving instructor are available.
AAA will be holding informational sessions on these new course offerings, mature drivers and their family members are encouraged to attend. Each session is free and open to the public.
- Wednesday, June 11th, at the AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center
100 International Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221
Two sessions, 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. - Thursday, June 12th, at the AAA Penfield Travel and Insurance Center
2156 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY 14526
Two sessions, 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
As Upstate New York's largest motoring and travel organization, AAA provides its 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited at www.AAA.com.
Contact:
Shaun Seufert (716) 929-3600
Diana R. Dibble (315) 453-5904
Wally Smith (716) 626-3225
