There are over 70 million people in the United States that are 55+ and they are one of the nation's fastest growing demographic.  One area that is often overlooked is safe driving practices," said Elliot Jacobson, VP of programming and production for Retirement Living TV (RLTV), the first network for people 55+.

On 11/5/2007 it was announced that collaboration between Retirement Living TV and AAA is underway -- one that will bring about a new and entertaining way for seniors to get the tools they need to reduce the risks associated with driving.

AAA currently has a federation-wide priority initiative, entitled Lifelong Safe Mobility. While the initiative takes a comprehensive approach to senior driver safety by focusing on the driver, vehicle and roadway, the collaboration between RLTV and AAA will begin with a new show focused on the driver. RLTV will produce segments that will showcase each of AAA's senior mobility programs, products and services. The segments will begin airing in the month of November on Daily Cafe, a two-hour show produced live from Washington, DC. The topics of the segments are broad and varied and include essential issues such as vision and aging, medications and impaired driving, risk management, fatigue and drowsy driving. "It is part of the AAA mission to help seniors stay mobile for as long as safely possible and working with Retirement Living TV is a great way to reach and share valuable information with this audience," said Yolanda L. Clark, managing director of public relations for AAA.
 
Though seniors are more likely to wear safety belts and less likely to drink and drive or speed, they're more likely to be hurt in a car crash. RLTV and AAA's senior driving programs are being developed in an attempt to decrease the number of older adults injured in vehicle collisions.
 
Besides the Mature Operator's Program, a driver training program for seniors, AAA has created several programs aimed at keeping older drivers safe on the road. Roadwise Review is a CD-ROM available from AAA clubs that helps seniors assess their own driving ability in the privacy of their own homes. CarFit(R), which is a collaboration among ASA, AARP and AAA, is a 12-point evaluation to ensure that senior drivers are sitting properly in their vehicle and that the driver's seat, seat belt, mirrors, steering wheel, head rest, gas/brake pedals and other controls are positioned properly. In 2008, AAA and the University of Florida will unveil a new car evaluation program that will showcase the best car features for older drivers.

You can read the full press release here

Making driving safer for seniors
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