Citation

Accid. Reconstr. J. 2004; 15(1): p 62.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

As the number of older drivers rises, many states are taking a closer look at ways to make sure that they are not dangerous to themselves or others. A recent accident in Santa Monica, California in which an 86 year old driver killed 10 people and injured dozens more are cited by those who believe older drivers should have to prove their capability, and other point to statistics that show that older drivers are much safer than teens and are less likely to drive drunk. In 2001, 16% of drivers were 65 and older; by 2030, one in four is expected to be in that age group. Today, at least 21 states have requirements for older drivers, varying from more frequent license renewals to vision tests. AARP favors better tests rather than age limits for drivers, and the American Medical Association is issuing guidelines outlining what doctors should look for in assessing driving skills. Statistics from the Insurance Institute show that older drivers generally are as other age groups until they reach 75, when they tend to have more accidents, and drivers 85 and older are about as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as those ages 16 to 19, but they are more likely to die than others in a car accidents because their bodies are frailer.