IBA West Offers Driving Safety Tips for Mature Drivers.

News Editors/Business Editors

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 2003

The fatal accident at the Santa Monica, California Farmers Market involving an 86-year old driver tragically illustrates the importance of helping older drivers maintain their driving skills and increase

"If we can use this terrible accident to remind folks about valuable drivers training for mature drivers, it might save lives in the future," said Stewart Sawyer, Senior Vice President, Acordia in Seattle and member of the IBA West, an association of independent insurance agents and brokers, adding, "there are lots of resources for helping aging drivers recognize their changing abilities and adapt their driving practices."

This accident highlights a growing concern. There are nearly 25 million people age 70 years and older in the United States. While this age group makes up approximately 9 percent of the total U.S. population they account for close to 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and around 18 percent of all pedestrian deaths annually. Older drivers are more crash prone, even though they drive less. Because older drivers are more fragile, their fatality rates are 17 times higher than those of 25-64 year olds.

One way seniors can improve on their driving skills is to enroll in a course designed for mature drivers. One of the most well known courses is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Driver Safety Program, commonly referred to as 55 Alive. The eight-hour course is taught across the country by volunteer instructors and helps drivers improve existing driving skills while covering topics of special interest to senior drivers like vision and hearing changes, effects of medication, reaction time, right-of-way, new laws, hazardous driving situations and information about how to recognize the signs of the need to relinquish the privilege of driving. The cost of the program is $10. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Safety Council offer classes as well as a number of private driving schools.

To encourage drivers to enroll in these valuable classes, the auto insurance industry offers premium discounts of up to ten percent to drivers who complete these courses. Upon completion of the program, a certificate is issued to course graduates. The certificate of completion allows for an insurance premium discount, when presented to the insurance agent of the program graduate. Insurance premium discounts vary by insurance company and is based on actuarial data. An insurance agent can advise how much of a discount is available from the insurance companies they represent.

In addition to courses, seniors can become more aware of how age affects their driving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety publishes Drivers 55 Plus: Test Your Own Performance which provides specific safety suggestions based on the driver's answers to 15 questions. It's available at AAA clubs or directly at http://www.aaafts.org. AARP offers another self-assessment, Creating Mobility Choices, which offer advise based on the results of workbook exercises. It's available from AARP by calling 800-424-3410 or at http://www.aarp.org

Older drivers can schedule regular check-ups and eye exams. Their health provider can also help them with driving assessments. They can also make improvements to their vehicles to improve visibility like installing large, glare-proof mirrors. Mature drivers may feel comfortable in an older, familiar car but they should investigate newer cars with up-to-date safety features. They should look for cars with height-adjusting seats, tilt or telescoping steering wheels that can improve their visibility and comfort when driving. Finally, older drivers should consider limiting their driving to situations when are most comfortable. Plan ahead and choose routes with good lighting, make right turns instead of left turns, travel during daylight hours and when traffic is light.

Additional websites with more information:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov

US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roaduser/older.htm

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety www.hwysafety.org

Elder Safety http://www.eldersafety.org

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Senior Drivers www.SeniorDrivers.org

US Administration on Aging www.aoa.gov

The Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West (IBA West) is the nation's largest regional trade association representing insurance brokers and independent insurance agents in the West. It was created on January 1, 1995 through consolidation of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California and the Western Association of Insurance Brokers, bringing together nearly 180 years of history and tradition serving insurance producers. IBA West members are independent agents and insurance brokers in California, Alaska, Oregon and Washington who employ thousands of insurance professionals. IBA West is affiliated in California with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. IBA West has a staff of 35 in its Oakland, Sacramento, Glendale and Mill Creek, WA, offices. www.ibawest.com