A driver license provides a sense of independence and convenience for drivers of all ages. This freedom is particularly important to mature drivers who view losing their license as a loss of personal freedom. Mature drivers can help ensure this freedom is not lost by evaluating their driving skills in order to ensure their safety and the safety of others on our roads.

Mature drivers are continuously becoming a larger percentage of the driving population, but the percentage of mature drivers involved in traffic crashes is increasing at a much higher rate. Crashes involving drivers age 55 and older rank only behind 16-20 year-old drivers as the largest percentage by age group involved in crashes in Ohio. In 2000, drivers age 55 and older were involved in nearly 85,000 motor vehicle crashes in Ohio.

Age should not be used to measure an individual’s driving skills. However, age does bring with it mental and physical changes that may have a negative effect on driving skills. It is important to acknowledge the safety problems associated with driving as you age. Vision, strength, flexibility, and overall health are important factors that affect driving skills. Unfortunately, these can deteriorate with age. The driving errors often committed by mature drivers reflect these changes and include failure to yield, wide turns, and improper backing.

This is not to say that mature drivers are unsafe drivers. Research indicates mature drivers rank lower in aggressive actions including speeding, following too closely, and impaired driving. However, mature drivers rank higher in comprehension errors such as confusion in congested situations and misunderstanding of signs.

Mature drivers can remain safe drivers by making a few simple adjustments to their driving behavior. Many mature drivers make the necessary safety adjustments in their driving behavior based on their own experiences and skill. The Patrol urges all mature drivers to be more aware of safety, be honest about driving skills, and adjust driving practices accordingly.

The following are tips to help mature drivers stay safe:

• Have your eyes examined and always wear prescription lenses. Do not wear glasses with sidepieces that could obstruct your view.
• Wear a safety belt and be sure it is adjusted properly.

• Be aware of the surrounding cars on the roadways, and maintain a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you.
• Always use turn signals and go as slowly as necessary to stay in your lane when turning.
• Ensure your vehicle’s mirrors are properly adjusted.
• Drive the speed limit, and stay in the right lane whenever possible. Do not drive too slowly because this can be just as unsafe as speeding.
• Scan the road for signs and signals. Know road signs by shape, and know what they mean.
• Drive during non-rush hours whenever possible, and try to stay on familiar roads.
• Do not feel pressured into making a turn or passing until you are sure you can do so safely.
• If you are taking medicine, even non-prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could affect your driving.

In addition, mature drivers must keep the safety of their passengers in mind. When transporting young children, be sure the child is restrained in the proper child safety seat. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a safety belt. Safety belts can prevent serious injuries and even death, keeping occupants from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash.

The Patrol encourages all drivers to continue using 1-877-7-PATROL when witnessing dangerous drivers or stranded motorists, or 1-800-GRAB DUI or cellular *DUI to report impaired drivers.

If you plan to visit the Ohio State Fair, please stop by the Patrol booth for more information on mature driver safety. Mature driving events will also be held at local fairs, statewide.

Remember the Highway Patrol’s 1-888-2-OH-ROAD (1-888-264-7623) number is an excellent way to check travel conditions throughout Ohio, including possible delays caused by road construction projects. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is committed to keeping the roadways throughout Ohio among the safest to travel in the nation.

I hope mature drivers will take the time to evaluate their driving skills and make any necessary changes.

It’s about safety!