Older Americans Month Resources

ChORUS joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Administration for Community Living, and other partners in recognizing Older Americans Month in May, 2022. This year’s theme is Age My Way. The older population (65+), although a vulnerable road user, are among the safest drivers. The National Center of Statistical Analysis states that from 2019 to 2020 older drivers 65 and older involved in fatal crashes decreased by 9.8%; while all other age groups increased.¹ However, the fatal-crash driver involvement risk for both male and female licensed older drivers increases at age 75, and the highest increase is in the 80 to 84 age group.² Due to age-related vulnerabilities, older drivers are more likely to be injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes.³ As the number of older Americans continues to rise, it is important to make sure they have the resources they need to “age their way.” 

Aging my way includes making adjustments along the way to stay healthy, safe, and active. As we age, it’s important to monitor changes in overall health as it relates to driving. We all experience these changes at a different rate. So, we must take proactive steps to balance safe mobility, remain independent, and stay active in our communities. 

During Older Americans Month, we invite you to take advantage of the resources we offer that can be used now and throughout the year to augment your education and outreach efforts.  These are ready to use or you can choose to customize them for your use.

Select any of the sections below to access resources, materials, and other information to support older Americans. 

How to Use OAM Resources

Review this quick guide for ideas on activities and events using the ChORUS OAM resources that will increase older driver traffic safety within your community. 

 

 

 

Add ChORUS to Your Site

Help users easily connect to ChORUS and the wealth of resources on this website. Copy and paste the logo and website description to your website’s home page, resource page or other locations as is appropriate.

ChORUS serves as a centralized, user-friendly, and dynamic source of information pertaining to highway safety for aging drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Built as a comprehensive resource, it covers all three major components of highway safety: safe roadways, safe road users, and safe vehicles.

Social Media Messaging

Include these ready-to-post social media messages to highlight ChORUS resources in ongoing digital media campaigns. 

Press Releases

Use these sample press releases in newsletters, publications, or community outreach to encourage participation in recognizing and promoting older driver safety. 

 

Poster

For areas with bulletin boards or where handouts can be displayed, consider using the ChORUS poster. The poster provides the URL and QR codes to connect individuals to valuable tools and resources about older driver safety.  

Handouts

Include the ChORUS handouts in materials you provide for older drivers. 

Transportation Planning Tool – helps older drivers and their family members prepare for mobility as they age. 

Patient Questionnaire – helps medical professionals gauge when they may need to have a conversation with patients about their driving.

General Information – provides an introduction to the resources and information that ChORUS offers to improve traffic safety for older drivers.

 

Lobby Slides

Integrate one or more of the lobby slides into the information messaging systems that you use for those in your waiting areas.

Click here to download all of the lobby slides

 

Infographics

The Older Driver Infographic presents key data to highlight the importance of older driver safety. 

 

Resources

ChORUS offers a wealth of resources that promote older driver safety.  We have curated lists to provide the perfect starting point for exploring resources, materials, and tools specific to you. 

 

¹Stewart, T. (2022, March). Overview of motor vehicle crashes in 2020 (Report No. DOT HS 813 266). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

²National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2021, May). Older population: 2019 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 121). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

³Pomidor A, ed. Clinician’s Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers, 4th Edition. New York: The American Geriatrics Society; 2019.