AAA Debuts Senior Driving Website, Slates Driver Programs

HAMDEN —– Just eight years from now, nearly one in six people will be age 65 or older — and most will still be licensed to drive. As 10,000 Americans turn 65 daily, AAA Southern New England and other AAA clubs nationwide are helping aging drivers cope with life-changing transitions with expert advice and easy-to-find resources.

One of the newest resources is a new national website: SeniorDriving.AAA.com, which provides convenient, online access to a wealth of interactive material. There, mature drivers can obtain tools to evaluate their driving ability and improve their skills. Family and friends also will benefit: they will learn how to recognize signs of concern, and how to have the sometimes challenging conversation with their older driver in a positive and respectful way.

“Driving is an important part of an active, rewarding lifestyle, which is why most older adults want to drive as long as safely possible,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Southern New England’s public affairs coordinator. “AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving for as long as safely possible, and SeniorDriving.AAA.com has the tools to help both drivers and the people who care about them.”

A recent National AAA survey reports nearly half of American senior drivers worry about losing their freedom and mobility when it is time to give up the car keys. Concerned by a loss of mobility, nearly 90 percent of senior drivers also indicate the inability to drive would be a problem. 

To help senior drivers maintain or refresh their driving skills, AAA Southern New England offers a free Driving Improvement Program that reviews the basics of defensive driving and updates drivers on current driving practices.

Classes are conducted at the AAA Stamford office; AAA North Haven Service Center; The Margaret Egan Center, Milford; Western Connecticut Agency on Aging, Waterbury; Fairfield Police Department, and Danbury Public Library.

Connecticut drivers 60 and older who complete the program qualify for a discount on their auto insurance. To register, call 203-937-2595, extension 4684.