Helping Senior Drivers to be Safe Drivers U of M Centre on Aging - Spring Research Symposium

2 Growing Population of Seniors From 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

3 Growing Population of Seniors The fastest growing age group was drivers aged 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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5 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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7 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 Senior Drivers

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9 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

10 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 Senior Drivers

11 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 Senior Drivers

12 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

13 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 Senior Drivers

14 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

15 Other Driving Presentations Provided directly from the Road Safety office, done on request Presentations can cover general information or something specific, like winter driving Senior Drivers

16 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