Drivers With History of Falling are 40% More Likely to Get in Crash, AAA Study Says
Friday, March 25, 2016
“Drivers age 60 and older are involved in more than 400,000 crashes each year, and it’s important that we find ways to keep them and others safe on the road. This research is critical because it shows that we can now use an older driver’s fall history to identify if they are at greater risk for a crash," said Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The Report says that fall can increase crash risk in two ways:
• Falls can result in a loss of functional ability (i.e. wrist fractures or a broken leg), which can make it difficult for older drivers to steer or brake to avoid a crash.
• Falls can increase an individual’s fear of falling, which can lead to a decrease in physical activity that weakens driving skills.
“When it comes to physical health, you either use it or lose it. Falls often scare people into being less active, but decreasing physical activity can weaken muscles and coordination and make someone more likely to be in a crash," said Diana Imondi Dias, AAA Northeast Traffic Safety Education Specialist.
The Research Suggests
The research suggests that seniors and their families should view falls as a possible early indicator of declining physical fitness. Addressing the health issues that originally led to the fall such as lower body weakness, poor balance, slow reaction time, certain medications, dizziness, or vision problems, can help drivers strengthen their ability.
"Older Drivers should find activities that enhance balance, strengthen muscles and promote flexibility,” continued Ms. Dias. “Even a low impact fitness training program or driver improvement course can help safely extend an older driver’s years on the road,” added Dias.
For more information on resources available to older drivers, click here.
Related Articles
- Three Vehicle Crash on I-290 Results in Worcester Woman Life Flighted to UMass
- VIDEO: 4-Wheeler Crashes Into Car in Worcester and Then Drives Off
- RIGHT NOW: Major Crash on Mass Pike Results in Fatality
- Names Released in Fatal Mass Pike Crash
- Bill Murray Crashes Bachelor Party and the Rest is History (NSFW)
- Pats-Jets clash and crash at Gillette
- Driving, Teens & Crashes
- BREAKING: Carl Beane, Voice of the Boston Red Sox, Dies in Crash
- NEW: ‘Voice of Red Sox’ Suffered Heart Attack before Crash
- Mass State Police Seeking Drivers Responsible for Fatal I-395 Crash
- MA State Police Chosen for Crash Investigation Commission
- Plane Crash Drill to Be Held at Worcester Airport on Tuesday
- NEW: Plane Crashes After Takeoff from Worcester Airport, Pilot Killed
- Victim of Plane Crash Identified as Gary Weller of Connecticut
- UPDATED: Oxford Crash Results in Death of Sturbridge Woman
- 64-Year-Old Man Crashes Motorcycle into Vacant Building on Mill St
- Beltless School Bus Driver Falls Out of Seat, Crashes Into 2 Cars in Worcester
- NEW: 21-Year-Old Worcester Woman Involved in Fatal Car Crash in East Brookfield
- State Police Identify Man Killed in East Brookfield Crash
- 35-Year-Old Worcester Man Suffers Serious Injuries After Crash in Plymouth
- Man Arrested in Worcester on OUI Drug Charges After Crashing Into NStar Truck
- Serious Crash on 479 Southwest Cutoff Injures 3, Police Investigating
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It