WASHINGTON, July 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In reaction to driver licensing recommendations issued by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety today, AARP released the following statement from Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond:
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"By 2030, more than 71.5 million people will be age 65+ and drivers 65 and older will represent a quarter of all drivers. With less than a generation to spare, we must build consensus around how to keep the roads safe for everyone. We must empower safe drivers to stay on the road for as long as possible, and we must create options for at-risk drivers so they are free to hang up their keys without losing their mobility.
"Investment now in research to develop effective ways to identify at-risk drivers will make the roads safer for everyone as our population ages and we applaud the AAA Foundation for affectively addressing part of the challenge of licensing from a variety of perspectives: health, driving fitness, and family and community involvement. Further, AARP supports AAA's recommendation for regular, in-person driver license renewal for all.
"The closer engagement of the medical community and the expansion of services helping at-risk drivers transition out of driving will make it easier for those who should hang up their keys.
"AARP is optimistic that by focusing on the challenges raised by a growing population of older drivers, we will help make roads safer for everyone and for generations to come. Left turn lanes and signals, improved lighting and better signage will reduce driving mistakes and save lives of all ages. Cars themselves are becoming safer and emerging technology will improve their safety even more.
"Finally, we all have a responsibility to monitor our own driving skills and those of our family members, young and old. As today's report states, 'Driving is considered a privilege but mobility is a human right ... people who cannot drive safely should not be allowed to drive, but there must be good options for them to get around once they stop driving.'"
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SOURCE AARP
