Older Drivers

The July 2017 Consumer Reports is worth reading.  An article by Michael Tortorello, entitled, "Driving Safer, Driving Longer" points out that more drivers over the age of 65 and even 85 are on the road than ever before.

He goes on to point out:  "Americans love to drive.  More than 75% of adults carry a driver's license including 40 million who are 65 or older. But driving is more than a passion or a pastime:  It's a lifeline.  Studies show that giving up driving increases a person's mortality risk and makes seniors more likely to land in nursing homes and suffer from depression.  Yet the average American man outlives his ability to drive by six years and the average American woman by 10 years."

There is a "senior transportation crisis" that is growing more and more urgent with time.  Presently, America has 45 million seniors 65 and older.  By 2030 there will be a projected 74 million seniors.  The problem for seniors is that other than having there own automobile, there is no way for them to get around.  This is especially frustrating for people without cars in the northern tier of New York.  It is very difficult for seniors, (and others without transportation of their own), to go from Gouverneur to Canton, or Potsdam, Malone, Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Chateaugay, Ellenburg, Plattsburgh, and all the points in between.  There is some public transportation that is very useful, but for people wanting to get from point A to point B when they want to go, most will find the public transportation inconvenient or restrictive.

AAA Memberships Are A Must

The Auto Club.  It is also known as the Automobile Association of America.  It is a great organization and I have been a member since I learned to drive.

In the area of Franklin County and Clinton County and Essex County you can (and should) join the AAA Northway.  If you are not a member I strongly urge you to become a member as soon as you can.  If you live in St. Lawrence County I'm sure that you can join the AAA Northway, although Watertown has an AAA office that I think is associated with AAA of Central New York.

The AAA is at the forefront of road safety.  The publication that I receive bi-monthly is "AAA NOW!"  Each issue really does a great job of providing useful, practical information for vacationers and every day drivers.  I highly recommend it.

Now, this post, so you know, is not being suggested by or paid by the AAA.  It is just that we think that they provide such an excellent service AND provides a voice for people in both the Albany legislature and the United States government, that promotes safety for drivers that it is worth your while to become a part of it.

Here is an example:  Since 2008, each year, the AAA Foundation provides to the public a document that is called the "Traffic Safety Culture Index".  This is a great tool to understand the behaviors of people as it relates to Traffic safety.  You can view it at AAAFoundation.org

TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.

The most recent "Traffic Safety Culture Index" published by the AAA found that 88% of all drivers between the ages of 19 and 24 engaged in texting, speeding or running red lights within a thirty day stretch!

But they are not alone.  Far from it!  For those drivers that range in ages from 25 through 39 the rate was 79.2%; ages 40 to 59 75.2%.  The lowest percentage, (not so low, in the high 60% range), were drivers over 60 and new drivers who range in ages 16-18.

What surprised Dr. David Yang, the executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was that some of the young drivers in the range of 19 to 24 believe that their dangerous driving behavior is acceptable.

Moreover, drivers ages 19-24 were 1.6 times as likely to report having read a text message or email while driving and nearly twice as likely to admit that they keyed or sent a text or email.

Half of drivers age 19-24 said they drive through a light that had just turned red.  36% of all other age groups admit to the same behavior.

Dr. Yang's advice:  "It's critical that these drivers understand the potentially deadly consequences of engaging in these types of behavior and that they change their behavior in order to keep all drivers safer on the roads."

I thank Dr. Yang of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the AAA Northway for all the hard work that they do to make the roads safer.

Remember, if you or your family or friends have been hurt by a careless driver, please keep Poissant, Nichols, Grue, Vanier and Babbie in mind.  We have offices in Potsdam, New York and Malone, New York, and can meet you at your home or some other convenient location in case it is difficult for you to travel.  We are always traveling to Plattsburgh, NY,, Saranac Lake, New York, Tupper Lake and all points in between.

-- Joe Nichols