A Zogby poll released this week shows that most Americans are engaged in the driving safety of their parents and other older loved ones.  That is great news!

Sixty-five percent of the Zogby survey respondents said they have been concerned that an older driver close to them may no longer be able to drive safely.  Now get ready for the kicker.  Sixty percent of those people said they confronted that person about their concerns.

My friends, this is one heck of a paradigm shift.  This discussion has moved from, "how do I take the keys away from mom and dad" to "how do i talk to my loved one about their driving?"  And with the first baby boomer turning 65 in 2011, this shift could not have waited any longer.

But this shift didn't happen over night.  It started back in 1996 when a few concerned individuals and organizations came together to try turn the tide of the discussion.  Eleven years later, these numbers illustrate clear movement in the mindset of Americans where aging and driving safety are concerned.  The focus is now on helping older adults remain behind the wheel for as long as safely possible versus taking the keys.

So, here is a special kudos to those individuals and organizations involved in 1996, and those who have jumped on the train along the way.  The work has progressed nicely, but it is not done.  Let's all keep up the passion and the effort.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Serv.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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