The state and the Colorado Department of Transportation are observing Older Driver Safety Awareness Week from Monday to Friday to promote mobility and safety among older Coloradans.

In 2019, 122 drivers older than 65 years old were involved in fatal crashes and 77 died in car crashes. According to CDOT, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured during car crashes.

From 2013 to 2017, Colorado’s aging population increased by 17%, or nearly 130,000 people and it is projected to rise by 160% by 2040.

Get ready for more I-70 traffic delays, detours in Denver

“With increasing age come changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s continued ability to drive safely,” said Sylvia Cordy, traffic safety advocate with the Denver’s Reaching Older Adult Drivers program.

Older adults can outlive their ability to drive safely by seven to 10 years, according to CDOT research.

“But there are a variety of safe travel options and focusing on these solutions is key,” Cordy said.

CDOT offers various CarFit events throughout the state that allows older drivers to enhance their safety by making sure their vehicle is properly adjusted.

Colorado drivers warned to be cautious in construction zones amid increase in fatal crashes

At these events, volunteers check seat belt and air bag positions, access to gas and brake pedals, mirror adjustment, easy operations of vehicle controls and more.

Because of COVID-19 precautions, this year CarFit is hosting free 90-minute virtual workshops. Older drivers can register for a virtual workshop at www.car-fit.org.

Older drivers can also access the state’s Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families for free at www.drivesmartcolorado.com and [email protected]. The guide includes license reexamination and traffic laws.