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New AARP Survey Shows Texas Drivers Know Rules of the Road, Aware of Changes as They Age


older driver

WASHINGTON -- Sept. 15, 2014: Texas drivers 50 and older overwhelmingly agree that driving is necessary to carrying out daily routines. Yet, according to new data, even the most active and experienced drivers acknowledge that the driving experience has changed significantly over time, with new and different vehicles, advanced technology, and complex traffic patterns.

“Regardless of age, simply being aware of change and adjusting habits accordingly can keep us driving safer, longer”

To measure the perceptions of Texas drivers, given the changes and challenges in the driving experience, AARP conducted a survey of 500 active and experienced drivers across the state. According to the findings:

Driving is very important to the 50+ driver. 97 percent of Texans reported that driving plays an important role in their life. 92 percent note that it would be difficult to carry out daily routines if they did not drive. When it comes to the rules of the road, the 50+ driver in Texas is knowledgeable. When asked a series of questions about Texas driving rules, respondents overwhelmingly answered correctly. Drivers are aware of mind-body changes as they age. 57 percent of Texans agreed they cannot see as well as they used to when driving at night; 42 percent agreed their reaction time behind the wheel has slowed. About one in four Texans reported that it has become more difficult to judge the speed of oncoming cars. Drivers recognize the driving environment has significantly changed over time. 96 percent of survey respondents agreed that there is more traffic on the road, 94 percent acknowledged that roads have changed, and 98 percent stated that technology in cars is becoming more advanced. “The roads and their rules are always changing, and the changes affect drivers in many different ways. In this survey, we specifically wanted to gauge how Texas drivers believe the experience of driving is changing as they age,” said Julie Lee, Vice President and National Director of AARP Driver Safety.

AARP Driver Safety regularly monitors trends, perceptions, and challenges of older drivers in the U.S., primarily to inform their AARP Smart Driver Course, the nation’s first and largest older driver refresher course. This year alone, more than 12,000 Texans have participated in a Smart Driver Course. Through the end of 2014, at least 230 classes will be taught across Texas. The course is open to drivers of all ages, and AARP membership is not required to participate.

“Regardless of age, simply being aware of change and adjusting habits accordingly can keep us driving safer, longer,” added Lee. “These local findings underscore the importance of refreshing driving skills, which helps drivers remain confident on the road.”

In July 2014, AARP conducted the survey of active and experienced Texas drivers, defined as those who have been licensed to drive for 20 or more years, and who drive at least once a week. The survey also focused on drivers who have not taken a driver safety course of any kind within the last 10 years. The sample of 50+ Texas residents was drawn at random from the U.S. adult population in telephone households. The results from the study were weighted by age and gender. The margin of sampling error for a sample of 500 is ±4.4% at the 95% confidence level.

For more information on this survey, or the AARP Smart Driver Course, visit TX Driving Survey.