2012 Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium
MVA HOSTS MARYLAND OLDER DRIVER SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
"Safe Mobility for Life"
2012 Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium
The 2012 Symposium was held on May 16, 2012. Almost 150 attendees were able to benefit from 10 excellent presentations, and 18 exhibits and project demonstrations. Four of our surrounding states made the trip to attend (VA, PA, DE & DC), and there were also representatives from 15 different police agencies, 6 different hospitals, and 20 different county or state government agencies. Click here for pictures of the Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium.
Postings on this website are intended to summarize the symposium information and bring information on the latest research and best practices, working level. Future postings on this website will strive to bring information on latest research and best practices for older driver safety – to be a continuum of knowledge, education and awareness for agencies, organizations and professionals that provide services, create policies and manage programs throughout the State.
This website will also post information on a 2013 symposium as plans are finalized.
MVA HOSTS MARYLAND OLDER DRIVER SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
"Safe Mobility for Life"
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD (May 17, 2012) -- Safe mobility for life was the focus of the one day Maryland Older Driver Safety Symposium hosted by Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration held on May 16th. The symposium saw participation from a variety of highway safety experts in the fields of community service, law enforcement, and health.
John Kuo, who is Maryland's Highway Safety Representative for Governor Martin O'Malley and the Administrator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, addressing the gathering said, "While we will not be able to address every issue related to the older driving population, we will focus on medical conditions, referrals, and reviews on function and cognitive abilities as they relate to driving. We need to address the issue of one's ability to drive, not one's age."
Speaking on the same theme, keynote speaker 
Dr. Steven R. Gambert, Professor of Medicine, Associate Chair, Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center, pointed out that what determines your safety isn't your age but your ability.
Other Notable Speakers at the symposium were:
- Dr. Joanne G. Schwartzberg,
Director, Aging and Community Health, American Medical Association
- Bill Tower II
Law Enforcement Liaison, Region 3 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Gail Holley
Safe Mobility for Life Program and Research Manager, Florida Department of Transportation State Traffic Engineering and Operations Office
- Wendy B. Stav, PhD, OTR/L, SCDCM FAOTA
Assistant Professor, Towson University
- Loren Staplin, PhD
Managing Partner, TransAnalytics, LLC
The symposium was organized by the Maryland
Motor Vehicle Administration to bring together the Maryland leaders who focus on policies and programs for older driver safety throughout the State, to bring knowledge and awareness of the latest research and best practices, and to discuss practical applications for building on the progress already made in Maryland.
Nationwide, the number of older drivers is growing. In 2011, the first of the so called "Baby Boomers" began turning 65. Projections show that one in every five drivers will be 65 or older by 2025.
Copyright 2012 Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
