Elder Drivers

Statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental deaths among elders 65-74, and second leading with ages 75 and up. Quoted from an article from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, “between 1990 and 1997, there was a 14% increase in the number of motor vehicle traffic–related fatalities and a 19% increase in the number of motor vehicle traffic-related nonfatal injuries, among older adults – defined as adults 65 years and older.” With our population of older individuals growing at an increasing rate, these statistics can only increase as well. When presented with the question of whether the state of Florida should adopt mandatory testing of drivers over the age of 65, I think the numbers say it all, yes! Despite my immediate answer, I think there are many things that need to be considered, as well as a considerate and understanding way to go about it.

Listed on the Aging Parents and Elder Care website are many common impairments that an elder person may experience that could have an effect on their driving abilities: slowdown in response time, loss of clarity in vision and hearing, loss of muscle strength and flexibility, drowsiness from medications, reduction in the ability to focus and concentrate, and a lower tolerance for alcohol. Because these are simple and common elements that come with the aging process, I think it becomes even more apparent that some sort of test and/or evaluation needs to become standard for those people age 65 and above.

AARP is one organization that has noted this issue of elder drivers, and offers some things that may be useful. Driver safety classes which are offered, educate drivers (young and old) on impairment and aging behind the wheel. These classes offer materials and insight on how the process of aging effects driving, common physical problems that may affect driving, as well as when older individuals should begin to limit their driving. These classes would give elders the knowledge and education needed to make the decision themselves, of when it is no longer safe to drive. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists lists some warning signs for when a person may no longer be safe driving on the road: does not observe traffic signals, needs instructions from passengers, easily frustrated or confused, or frequently getting lost. This organization actually offers driver evaluations, which can be done in area. With each driving assessment, there is a review of the person’s medical history, vision, perception, reaction time, as well as a behind-the-wheel evaluation.

Because there is currently no law for testing of elder drivers, I think it is essential for family members and friends to become aware of this issue concerning their loved ones. With education and assessment available, we are capable of decreasing the accident statistics, however until the government steps in, it is left in our hands to keep the roads safe.