AAA and SDPB Team up to Help Seniors Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

NEWS from AAA South Dakota, Nov. 26 - AAA Roadwise Review, a popular self-assessment tool used by senior drivers to identify possible driving impairments common with aging, will be distributed as a “thank you” gift during a national pledge event for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations nationwide, beginning November 28, 2008.

AAA’s product will be offered during PBS’ Brain Fitness 2: Sight & Sound, the follow-up to the successful Brain Fitness program that has aired on PBS stations over the last year. The programs will be broadcast in the Rapid City and Sioux Falls viewing areas on the SDPB networks from November 29 – December 2nd.  Please check your local stations for specific times.

The engaging 90-minute program takes viewers into the labs of the world’s most innovative neuroscientists, psychologists and neurobiologists who are discovering the amazing power of the brain and its ability to change, regardless of age.

“People over 65 are the fastest-growing population in the United States.  By 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older. AAA Roadwise Review is a scientifically validated screening tool developed by AAA and noted transportation safety researchers,” said Mark Madeja, AAA Spokesman.  “This useful tool allows seniors to measure, in the privacy of their own home, eight functional abilities shown to be the strongest predictors of crash risk among older drivers. Just as seniors monitor their physical health through frequent checkups, AAA Roadwise Review helps seniors monitor their driving health,” said Madeja.

“AAA is committed to the lifelong safe mobility of seniors and will continue to work to keep seniors driving as long as safely possible by taking a comprehensive approach that addresses the driver, the road and the vehicle. Driving should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, including seniors, as they strive to lead a rich and independent life. We are pleased that AAA Roadwise Review is a part of this PBS pledge event so the public can learn more about how to take a proactive role in assessing their driving health,” said Madeja.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.  Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.