Educating Older DriversListening Session for the

White House Conference on Aging

Policy Committee Theme: TransportationHosted by

the Committee on the Safe Mobility of Older Persons (ANB60) of the Transportation Research Board

January 8, 2005

Washington, DC

Frank CarrollDirector AARP Driver Safety Program & Mobility Options202-434-6007fcarroll@aarp.org

AARP Driver Safety Program

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom driver refresher course especially designed for drivers age 50 and older.

• 66 million drivers age 50+

• Volunteer Survey was mailed to all of the 10,000 volunteers in April 2004,

32% response rate

• Graduate Survey was mailed to a sample of 10,000 recent graduates in May 2004,

35% response rate,

1,500 provided name and address

2004 Volunteer/Graduate SurveyMethodology

What it is (now)? • 8 hour classroom course (generally taught in 2 four hour sessions)• Cost $10.00• 5 versions of the course in 25 years• Designed to:

• Update driving knowledge.• Sharpen driving skills.• Help compensate for normal age-related physical changes.• Reduce traffic violations, crashes, and resulting injuries.• Drive more safely of many more years.

• 11 chapter participant workbook:Chapter One: Getting StartedChapter Two: Judging YourselfChapter Three: Physical ChangesChapter Four: Potential Trouble SpotsChapter Five: Aggressive Driving/Road RageChapter Six: Safety ConsiderationsChapter Seven: Driver GuidanceChapter Eight: Your VehicleChapter Nine: IntersectionsChapter Ten: The FreewayChapter Eleven: Driving Retirement

• 30 minute course video

Source: 2004 AARP Driver Safety Program Volunteer and Graduate Survey Report

Who they are?

• 700,000 participants a year (1% of drivers 50+)• Average age 72, female• Highly satisfied• 9.5 million participants to date• Average of 186 classes each day• 59,000 average graduates a month• 33,000 courses in 2004

Who we are?

• 11,000+ volunteers• Average of 71 years old, male • 3.1 million volunteers hours given• 10 levels of volunteers

What impact do we have?

• Direct, Indirect, Policy• Increased confidence• 76% have taken the course 2 times or more• 92% report they changed at least 1 driving habit as a

result of taking the course• 63% reported what they learned helped them prevent

an accident• Volunteers and participants stay with AARP longer • $45.5 million in insurance savings

Sources: 2004 AARP Driver Safety Program Volunteer and Graduate Survey Report

Number of times Graduates Had Taken an AARP DSP Course (n = 3,464)

23%

23%

19%

34%

0% 40% 80%

Four or more

Three

Two

One

Graduates Behavior Changes as Result of DSP Course (n= 3,464)

8%

28%

15%

11%

42%

16%

30%

28%

37%

22%

33%

44%

34%

44%

46%

48%

56%

17%

16%

19%

12%

13%

10%

17%

15%

10%

16%

10%

11%

10%

13%

18%

13%

4%

3%

13%

7%

12%

13%

9%

3%

2%

7%

8%

4%

8%

4%

5%

5%

7%

5%

0% 25% 50% 75%

Considering limiting or stopping driving

Limiting use of cell phones

Limiting freeway travel

Avoids left turns

Always using safety belts

Limiting times when you drive

Learning medications' effects on driving

Looking for safety features when buying a car

Using anti-lock brakes properly

Driving in bad weather

Turning in general

Keeping your eyes moving/scanning traffic

Being aware of where you park

Yielding right of way

Paying more attention when entering or exitinghighways

Following distance and space cushion

Always checking your blind spots

Most of the time Some of the time Occasionally

68%

62%

59%

59%

58%

56%

52%

51%

49%

49%

45%

47%

48%

25%

45%

35%

73%

Source: 2004 AARP Driver Safety Program Volunteer and Graduate Survey Report

The top five behaviors that were changed as a result of DSP were:

• Always checking your blind spots• Following distance and space cushion• Paying more attention when entering or exiting

highways • Yielding right of way• Being aware of where you park

Changes in Behavior Changes as a Result of Taking Course

Graduates' Perceptions that Information Learned in Class Helped Prevent Traffic Accidents (n = 3,464)

63%

31%

0% 40% 80%

No

Yes

Source: 2004 AARP Driver Safety Program Volunteer and Graduate Survey Report

Educating Older Drivers—

Why AARP?

AARP Social Impact Goal

People 50+ will have independence, choice, and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable for them and society as a whole.

Americans 50+ are able to sustain mobility as they age because—

Individuals retain their driving competencies and competent drivers retain their driving privileges to the maximum extent possible.