AAA Helps Aging Drivers Match Vehicle Selections to Physical Changes

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Car features may help drivers' pain, reduced ability

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AAA Helps Aging Drivers Match Vehicle Selections to Physical Changes

*New York, NY - 3/21/2008*

*Release of research identifying vehicle features that improve safety,

comfort of aging drivers continues commitment to Lifelong Safe

Mobility<http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com//main/default.asp?categoryid=3 & subcateg\

oryID=38>

*

Other supporting material

- Smart Features B-Roll and Video<http://www.aaanewsroom.net/videoclips/>

- Smart Features Pod

Cast<http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Main/Default.asp?CategoryID=5 & SubCategoryID=48 & e\

xtPath=../Assets/Images/podcasts/SFMD.Dannielle.mp3>

- AAA.com/seniors <http://www.aaa.com/seniors>

- Smart Features for Mature Drivers Brochure

<http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Assets/Files/2008321948520.SFMDbrochure.pdf>

- Mature Drivers Fact Sheet

<http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Assets/Files/2008321950530.SFMD-FactSheetv3.pdf>

- Vehicle

Listings<http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Assets/Files/20083211016360.SFMD-VehicleList\

v6.2.pdf>

- Smart Features for Specific Health

Conditions<http://www.aaanewsroom.net/Assets/Files/20083241525560.SFMD-FeaturesL\

istv4.pdf>

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AAA, in partnership with the University of Florida�s National Older Driver

Research and Training Center <http://driving.phhp.ufl.edu/> (NODRTC),

released its Smart Features for Mature Drivers today at the New York

International Auto Show.

AAA�s Smart Features for Mature Drivers

<http://www.aaa.com/seniors>identifies vehicle features that can

assist drivers with visual, physical

and mental changes that are frequently encountered as they age. The

announcement addresses conditions often faced by senior adults, including

diminished vision, arthritic hands, hip and leg pain and limited upper-body

range of motion, highlights features that best address each condition and

provides examples of vehicles exemplifying those features.

�It is imperative that the specific needs of aging motorists be addressed in

order for them to continue to drive safely and remain independent,� said AAA

President and CEO L. Darbelnet. �Smart Features for Mature Drivers

provides valuable information for this growing segment of the driving

population. We encourage older drivers and their families to use this as a

guide in the selection of their next vehicle or evaluating their current

one.�

Persons over age 65 represent the fast growing population segment in the

United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration, there were more than 37 million people age 65 and older in

the United States in 2006 and 29 million were licensed drivers in 2005. It

is estimated that by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed

drivers age 65 and older.

As a person ages, physiological changes can affect driving ability. Muscle

strength, reaction times, range of motion and visual acuity tend to diminish

as part of the natural aging process. Also, the increased prevalence of

health issues such as arthritis, hip and knee joint pain or osteoporosis can

reduce the ability to safely execute the complex task of driving.

�Many of the changes our bodies experience as we age can affect our ability

to safely operate a vehicle,� said Dennis P. McCarthy, co-director of the

University of Florida�s NODRTC. �When looking for ways to help maintain an

older person�s safety, it�s important to address the vehicle they are

driving. Today, specific vehicle features can help improve driver comfort

and safety.�

In a recent survey, AAA found that 43 percent of motorists over the age of

55 suffered from at least one of nine driving related difficulties commonly

caused by aging, and nearly one out of four motorists over 55 plan to

purchase a vehicle in the next two years.

Because everyone ages differently, AAA recommends mature drivers look for

vehicles with features that address their specific needs and health issues.

Some of the recommendations included in Smart Features for Mature Drivers

include:

- Drivers suffering from hip or leg pain, decreased leg strength or

limited knee range of motion should look for vehicles with six-way

adjustable power seats and seat heights that come between the driver�s

mid-thigh and lower buttocks. Both of these features can make it easier for

drivers to enter and exit a vehicle.

- Drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished

fine motor skills would benefit from four-door models, thick steering

wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power mirrors and seats and larger

dashboard controls with buttons.

- Drivers with diminished vision or problems with low contrast

sensitivity will find helpful vehicles with extendable sun visors, large

audio and climate controls and displays with contrasting text.

AAA�s Smart Features for Mature Drivers also includes vehicle features

recommended for all seniors, regardless of their health issues, such as:

- Proven crashworthiness, crash test and rollover ratings from the

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(safercar.gov<http://www.safercar.gov/>)

and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

(iihs.org/ratings<http://www.iihs.org/ratings>)

- Side and dual-stage/threshold airbags that adjust the deployment

force based on the severity of the crash

- Adjustable head restraints and extra padding

- Antilock brakes

- Dynamic stability control

�AAA is committed to keeping seniors driving as long as safely possible

through our Lifelong Safe Mobility initiative,� Darbelnet added. �By

providing public services such as Smart Features for Mature Drivers, AAA

aims to keep our growing senior population safe behind the wheel.�

Concurrent to the release of Smart Features for Mature Drivers, AAA launched

a Web site with content devoted to senior drivers and their families at

AAA.com/seniors <http://www.aaa.com/seniors>.

As North America�s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA

provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and

automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit,

fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and

security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at

AAA.com

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