CAA Launches Senior Driving Tool

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 18, 2014) - CAA is excited to announce the launch of its new multimedia web tool designed to help seniors stay safe behind the wheel. The CAA Seniors Driving Portal, located at www.seniorsdriving.caa.ca, incorporates information from the Canadian Medical Association's Driver's Guide, as well as, insight and recommendations from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

CAA research shows that nearly half (47 per cent) of Canadians are concerned about the safety of an aging family member on the road and around two thirds of senior drivers see the need for online tools to help them stay safe on the road. With the CAA Seniors Driving Portal, seniors and their loved ones will be able to evaluate driving skills, learn about changing abilities, and, if necessary, modify driving habits.

This new web portal contains assessment tools to pinpoint areas of improvement, interactive infographics that help show common physical changes that affect driving, and videos with tips and reminders for managing challenging driving conditions.

"Canadian seniors are more active and more involved in their communities than ever before, so for us it is essential to provide easy access to resources and information that can help maintain and encourage those specific qualities," says Christina Hlusko, President and CEO of CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO). "Through the Seniors Driving Portal we are hoping to engage seniors and their families and help them have the discussion about this sensitive topic."

The good news is that half of seniors have already taken at least one step to adjust their driving habits, such as reducing or eliminating driving at night, but CAA research shows there is need for more information related to age-related changes that affect driving. For instance, only three per cent of seniors know that by age 60, the average person needs three times as much light to see as they did at age 20. CAA's information on age-related changes includes an interactive light tool that demonstrates changes in vision as we age. In addition, the portal's driving-at-night infographic and video offers tips and advice for dealing with physical change.

The CAA poll is based on a sample size of 1,133. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

CAA is a federation of nine clubs providing 6 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure and consumer protection

For detailed information on the wide range of services available with CAA North & East Ontario please visit www.caaneo.ca or in person at any of our store front locations.

CAA North & East Ontario provides roadside assistance to Members, along with an extensive array of travel and insurance services designed to suit the individual needs, wants and expectations of its Members.