EDITORIAL: Many children won’t confront an elder driver [Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine]

Oct. 30--In 2012, the Sun Journal examined the difficult question of elderly drivers and how their accident rates increase as they age.

The story pointed out that drivers over 65 account for 8 percent of all miles driven, yet they are involved in 17 percent of all fatal traffic accidents.

It reported how Maine drivers over 65 experience more crashes per mile driven than any age group except 16-year-olds.

What's more, elderly drivers are 1.7 times more likely to be involved in an accident leading to death or serious injury than drivers between 25 and 65.

The story recounted several frightening examples of elderly drivers traveling the wrong way on Maine interstates, or confusing the gas pedal for the brake pedal in parking lot accidents.

It's no secret this problem will worsen as the proportion of elderly drivers increases over the next 30 years.

Between 2015 and 2030, the number of drivers over 65 in the U.S. is expected to increase from 47 to 72 million.

A recently released study by Liberty Mutual Insurance raises another red flag: There is a serious gap between the number of adult children concerned about their parents' driving abilities (55 percent) and the number who have revealed that to the parent (23 percent).

"Nine in 10 boomer children of senior drivers think it is important to have driving conversations with their aging parent," according to Liberty Mutual driving safety expert David Melton, "but few are taking action."

Liberty Mutual's survey involved 1,000 children with elderly parents.

The boomer children cite their top concerns as poor eyesight, driving too slowly, poor hearing and easily distracted.

Compounding the problem, only 38 percent of those adult children think their parent is even open to talking about the issue.

About 46 percent say their parent will be angry or hurt, while 31 percent think their parent will say it's too hard to find alternative transportation.

Curiously, 22 percent of the adult children think their parent will be even more determined to keep driving if they express concern.

To begin that conversation, Liberty Mutual suggests that adult children ride with their parent while driving and observe their reaction times or close calls. Dents, scratches and tickets are another tip-off of reduced skills.

Concerned children must be willing to raise the topic, but fully expect the matter will require multiple conversations.

While the Liberty Mutual study doesn't say so, elderly drivers should seek out feedback about their driving skills, and be open to talking about their changing driving skills.

As drivers get older, they often make accommodations in their driving to remain safe, like not driving at night or not driving in congested or unfamiliar areas.

Older drivers need to be looking for clues that their skills are not up to par, as well as open to the idea of concerned children and other adults raising questions.

Life is precious, and no elderly driver wants to be remembered for a tragic accident.

rrhoades@sunjournal.com

The opinions expressed in this column reflect the views of the ownership and the editorial board.

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