Helping Senior Drivers to be Safe Drivers

U of M Centre on Aging - Spring Research Symposium

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Growing Population of Seniors

From 2001-2006 the total number of drivers in Manitoba grew by 5%

Each age category of drivers 55 and older grew in excess of that average

There are now almost 250,000 drivers in Manitoba aged 55 years and older

Senior Drivers

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Growing Population of Seniors

The fastest growing age group was drivers aged 55-64

The number of drivers in this age group increased by a staggering 27%

This is more then five times the average!

Senior Drivers

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Collision Trends for Seniors

Drivers over 55 years of age account for approx. 30% of all Manitoba Drivers

These drivers comprise only 17% of all drivers involved in collisions in 2006

Senior Drivers

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Collision Trends for Seniors

As expected, the cause of collisions varies greatly as age increases

Seniors are less likely to be involved in collisions caused by aggressive

driving

Seniors are over-represented in collisions caused by poor decision making / execution of tasks

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Senior Drivers

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Life has been Planned for Cars

Gil Penalosa, Walk & Bike for Life:

“Over the last 80 years, we have built cities more for cars’ mobility than children’s happiness. And when we define our cities around cars, what do we get? We get more cars.”

As a result of this focus, many older drivers fear the loss of their driving ability and the associated freedom.

Senior Drivers

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MPI Road Safety Focus

Education – provide seniors with the knowledge and tools to keep them driving safer, longer

Awareness – ensure that seniors are aware of the unique challenges they face as drivers

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MPI Road Safety Delivery

Partnerships – working together with organizations who share our road safety concerns

Presentations – offering our knowledge of specific issues to groups throughout the province

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Manitoba Society of Seniors

“Safe Driving for Seniors”

Pilot project with three presentations already scheduled from May

Goal is to offer this information throughout the province through

a network of volunteer presenters

Senior Drivers

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Manitoba Society of Seniors

Two-hour information session, presented for seniors, by senior

Focus includes:

- how aging affects driving skills

- medications and driving

- tips for improving your driving

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Senior Drivers

Safety Services Manitoba

“Mature Driver Workshop”

Planning to pilot this new course during the 2008 season

Aimed directly at enhancing the driving skills and knowledge of senior drivers

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Other Driving Presentations

Provided directly from the Road Safety office, done on request

Presentations can cover general information or something specific, like winter driving

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The Road Ahead…

As the population of seniors grows and driving continues as a way of life, we will maintain our focus on keeping all of Manitoba’s drivers as safe as possible.

Senior Drivers