AAA To Release First Home Based Tool to Reduce Senior Driver Crash Risk; AAA Unveils Solution to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer

WASHINGTON -- January 6, 2005--AAA

WHAT:
AAA will release a first-of-its-kind, scientifically validated tool that identifies declines in functional abilities that increase crash risk in older drivers and provides them with the remedies to reduce that crash risk. This driver screening tool can be used in the privacy of one’s home and its results are confidential. It will address the eight mental and physical abilities shown to be the strongest predictors of crash risk among older drivers. AAA will also release a national survey that examines the concerns of senior drivers.

WHY:
People over 65 are the fastest-growing population in the United States and by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. Because of their fragility, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers.

WHO:
Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President and CEO
Loren Staplin, PhD, Principal, TransAnalytics
Bella Dinh-Zarr, PhD, AAA Director of Traffic Safety Policy
Elin Schold-Davis, American Occupational Therapists
Association

Also testimonials from senior drivers who have used the screening tool.

WHEN:
January 12, 2005
10 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

WHERE:
National Press Club, FIRST AMENDMENT ROOM
529 14TH Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Note: B-roll package will be available via satellite on January 12.

Contact Information

Mantill Williams

Media Contact

AAA

Contact via E-mail