How Old Is Too Old To Drive?

By drodriguez Jul 08, 2009

One aspect of daily life that older people often find hard to give up is driving. We all know it is time to turn in the car keys when vision begins to fail or any other health condition becomes a factor. But some people hold onto the car keys a little too long if they don’t recognize their deteriorating health or in an effort to stay as independent as possible in their senior years. With the “baby boomer” generation expected to increase the sheer quantity of senior drivers in the next couple of decades, states across the nation are seeking a way to change regulations to make sure everyone’s driving safely into their golden years.

A recent article from USA Today discussed which states were making changes to assure older drivers were well enough to continue driving. According to Census projections, Americans aged 65 and older will jump from 39 million in 2010 to 69 million in 2030. Peter Kissinger, president of AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, reported to USA Today that currently 15% of all drivers in the U.S. are 65 and older, but by 2025 approximately one quarter of all drivers will be over 65. Kissinger went on to say, “I really don’t think our society is ready for that. We are not ready with respect to the kinds of issues older drivers face.”

This is why some states have begun to try new methods of testing aging drivers to make sure they can navigate roads safely. California, for example, has begun issuing limited licenses which allow older drivers, after passing a test, to only drive on specific routes that they travel regularly. And Maryland passed a law allowing police, doctors, and residents to refer unsafe drivers to the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Medical Advisory Board to be evaluated.

States have already begun to reap the benefits of new testing for the elderly. After a Florida law was passed in 2004 that required older drivers to pass a vision test before getting a license renewed, the death rate among drivers 80 and older has gone down by 17 percent. Thomas Meuser, a gerontologist at the University of Missouri, believes new regulations should be put in place for older drivers, but does not want them to be stereotyped as lousy drivers. Meuser said, “Most older drivers are safe drivers. The challenge is older drivers with either subtle but progressive health issues that affect them without their knowledge.”

What do you think of testing elderly drivers more often before renewing a license?

Do you think all states need to adopt new methods of testing older drivers?

Make a Comment

Comments

by sariee32 | ARLINGTON HTS, IL

Jul 18, 2009

Yes, I think that after the age of 70 drivers should be tested ATLEAST every year to determine if they are still fit to drive. There has actually been 5 accidents I can recall here in Massachusetts caused by elderly drivers. And that is since the beginning of June. On one occasion the woman drove into a crowd of people in Plymouth, 2 instances of drivers hitting pedestrians and 2 more driving into buildings. If these accidents were all caused by teenagers you bet there would be some changes in the law so why should it be any different for any one else?

by 1mizzer | Mounds View, MN

Jul 17, 2009

I think sometimes it is not a matter of age, but their pyhical condition. My Fater is 90 y/o. He lives alone and he still drives! His mind is sharp also.

by littleme | MARBURY, AL

Jul 17, 2009

I agree when you have a hard time and being able to see or pain or just mindless I suppose

by Saptember | MILFORD, CT

Jul 17, 2009

when you have a hard time seeing and have to pain when moving

by resa1320 | Mesa, AZ

Jul 16, 2009

We have all seen the old grandma or grandpa who can barely see over the wheel and is going 15 miles per hour on the freeway...LOL But if they can pass the test then who am I to tell them to stop driving. I will say this, I live in AZ and our driver license last like 40 yrs??? This could be a problem!

by Damned | WEST LINN, OR

Jul 15, 2009

I don't think there should be a certain age limit. I feel that they should be tested every couple years on their eye sight, hearing & speed of reflexes. They also should have papers from a doctor saying there has been no medical changes in their health, (example a stroke, or heart attack) that could cause them to become a dangerous driver. As they get older they could be tested yearly.

by mselytia | Westbrook, ME

Jul 15, 2009

Of course the elderly should be tested! Especially on reflexes and reaction time. Safety HAS to be considered over priveledge! I've had a number of close calls with elderly drivers that were avoided because of MY fast reaction time. I shake my head in disbelief every time I pass by a little old person with thier huge sunglasses on,straddeling the yellow line going 20 miles an hour.It's so dangerous.

by brandaojm | belleview, FL

Jul 14, 2009

I think an annual test for a certain age and older is a great idea! I believe the elderly should be screened for sight and hearing to be able to drive.

by txdaisy10 | Lewisville, TX

Jul 14, 2009

I believe people should be tested as they get older... perhaps yearly. If they can pass the test, they can drive. My grandfather is 90 years old and still driving. He has missed stop signs, and forgotten where he has left the car several times. I do not think he should be driving any more, but he still had a driver's license, so it must be okay, right?

by sbfair | ELLICOTT CITY, MD

Jul 14, 2009

If a person has competent driving skills I think they should be able to drive...regardless of 'elderly' age.

by 3bower | Surprise, AZ

Jul 14, 2009

I dont feel that there should be a cuttoff but I do think that once someone reaches a certain age they should be required to take the written and road test. Its funny how some of the elder folks loose their licence but are then allowed to drive a golf cart on the streets. I think is more dangerous for some.

by grumpyshar | avondale, AZ

Jul 11, 2009

I don't feel that driving should have an age limit as long as the person has the mental and physical abilities to complete the task. I think there are many people on the road that are bad drivers to be honest I am probably one of them the point is you just have to be a defensive driver.

by madskit | Madera, CA

Jul 10, 2009

I think the state you live in should determine when a person needs a behind-the-wheel test. They can tell what the demographics are on accidents related to age, etc. All they have to do is check their records.

by bamagal | Montgomery, AL

Jul 10, 2009

I think states need to retest all drivers every ten years. There are too many drivers on the road that don't know the rules. Many are just down right dangerous. As drivers get older, they should have to take a refresher course every couple of years, if not yearly.

by bigjules911 | Aberdeen, MS

Jul 10, 2009

As a 911 dispatcher I know firsthand just how much age affects driving. I've dispatched countless police, ambulance, and first responders to wrecks caused by elderly drivers. I'm not saying younger people don't cause accidents too, I'm just saying that as people get older they're health, eyesight, hearing, and reflexes deteriorate. There should definitely be more testing when people get to a certain age to ensure safer roads.