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Senior Drivers. MN/DOT May 6, 2010 Roseville MN. Trauma kills more people between the ages of 1 and 44 than any disease or illness. Nearly 100,000 people of all ages in the U.S. die from trauma each year; roughly half of them in automobile crashes. In Minnesota….
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Senior Drivers MN/DOT May 6, 2010 Roseville MN
Trauma kills more people between the ages of 1 and 44 than any disease or illness. Nearly 100,000 people of all ages in the U.S. die from trauma each year; roughly half of them in automobile crashes
In Minnesota… • 429 fatal crashes in 2009 (preliminary) • 163 alcohol related deaths in 2008 • 150 of the 325 vehicle occupant deaths were unbelted in 2008 • 72 motorcyclist deaths • In multiple-vehicle crashes Driver Inattention/Distraction is #1 contributing factor
Senior Population • Nationally, by 2030, 18.9% vehicle miles driven will be by those 65 and older • As boomer generation ages, the senior population will continue to grow • By 2030 in Minnesota, the population of those over 65 will grow to 1.2 million
Senior Drivers… • Drivers over 65 make up 16% of the driving population • But they only account for 7% of the crashes • In 2008 accounted for 19% of traffic fatalities • Therefore, when a senior is involved in a crash, it is more likely to end in death • Illegal/Unsafe speed, Failure to yield, and Distraction are main contributing factors in these crashes
The TZD Initiative at Work… • TZD Leadership Team • TZD Program Team • TZD Annual Conference • Minnesota Partnership for Senior Mobility • “Love of Car” video kit
Minnesota Partnership for Senior Mobility • Collaborative of public, nonprofit, and educational experts • Charge is to influence policy, create initiatives, and promote research to improve safety and mobility of our aging population • Goal is to reduce death of older Minnesotan’s on our roadways
“Love of Car: Transportation As We Age” • Major sponsors: AAA, MN/DOT, MN DPS, and Senior LinkAge Line • Strategies for driving longer • How to assess driving skills • Using alternative transportation • Website: www.mngero.org
TZD Regional Coalitions • Established in the South West and South East Regions of the State • Conduct collaborative projects across the region • Looking to expand the Regional Coalitions in the future
Safe Communities Coalitions • Coalitions exist throughout the state • Coalitions work at the community level to create awareness of traffic safety issues • Projects are centered around the goal of preventing death and injury caused by vehicle crashes
Otter Tail County Safe Communities Coalition • Concluded that there was an uptrend in fatal crashes involving Senior Drivers • Assessed what was in place already • Compiled resources to better inform seniors and their family members • Came up with a plan to educate the public