Guide released to help aging drivers

Number of senior drivers in Florida on rise

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nearly 3 million drivers in Florida are older than 65. In fact, Florida has more elderly drivers than any other state in the U.S.

Because of that, the Florida Department of Transportation has released a guide for aging drivers, aimed at keeping them and other drivers safe on the roadways.

"I'm elderly and I still drive, and I'm still doing OK," senior driver Cathy Mobley said. "But it's not the case with everyone."

She's right. In Florida, crashes often involve senior citizens.

In March, one elderly woman drove into A Golden Needle, an alterations shop in Orange Park. It was just another reminder that some senior citizens need a support system when they're behind the wheel.

Safe driving tips, licensing info, community contacts and more can all be found in the Florida Department of Transportation's new guide for aging drivers. FDOT spokesman Mike Goldman said it's aimed at keeping senior citizens and their families aware of changing driving conditions.

"Another great thing about this guide is it conveniently fits inside your glove box," he said.

Florida leads the country with 18 percent of its population at 65 and older. By 2030, more than 27 percent will be older than 65, half of those older than 75.

This growth shows that there is an increasing number of seniors driving in the Sunshine State.

AAA confirms these statistics and says the guide will be great for senior drivers.

"AAA is definitely behind something like this," said David Cawton, of AAA sales and service. "Anytime a driver of any level can get a little bit of help or refresher course, that's a good thing."

"I think it will help," Mobley said. "If you read it, it makes you more aware of what is going on around you."

The guide is free and is available at www.safeandmobileseniors.org.