The Tennessee Highway Safety Office spreading older driver safety awareness this week in an attempt to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers over the age of 70 have higher fatality rates per 1,000 crashes compared to middle-aged drivers. Livingston Police Chief Ray Smith said accidents tend to involve older drivers when other drivers are in a rush.
“People lose a lot of patience with them,” Smith said. “They are being very careful. They realize the dangers and stuff out there. So I just think sometimes we just take advantage of that situation and cause more problems than good.”
Smith said reflexes and vision tend to decline as people age, diminishing their driving abilities. Smith said older drivers tend to drive slower than others for not only for their safety but for the safety of others.
“It’s just being more careful and cautious,” Smith said. “They don’t want to cause any problems. Really, our older drivers are more considerate to other people and wanting to make sure they are safe from point A to point B. Sometimes that’s all they’ve got is themselves to drive.”
Smith said he has not seen an excessive number of crashes involving older drivers in Livingston, but they do occasionally happen. Smith said drivers should be mindful of older drivers while on the road this holiday season.
“We are in a major rush in this major holiday season,” Smith said. “Patience, being aware of our surroundings, and being aware of the traffic. Just taking our time and maneuvering around, and showing consideration for all the drivers out there.”
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office encourages older drivers to stay up to date on annual vision exams and other medical check-ups before driving.