Think our roads already resemble a survivalist obstacle course? Get ready for 2025, when an estimated 40 million baby boomers will clog the left lanes of America, blinkers flashing, one foot trembling over the brake.
Though motorists older than 70 drive far less frequently than other age groups, they already account for an outsize proportion of fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The death rate per mile traveled for drivers over 85 is four times that of the 30-59 age group. The only group more dangerous than senior citizens is teen-agers. Senior drivers have special trouble judging speed and distances, which causes an inordinate number of rear-end and left-hand-turn accidents.
Aging drivers, higher risksAnd the older drivers get, the bigger the risk they pose. A 2002 Florida study found that seniors older than 85 pose a sharply higher risk. The state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles found at least 20% of the state's 250,000 drivers older than 85 suffered from dementia. The report also said that crash rates for drivers with cognitive dementia were 7.6 times higher than other drivers.
But people 65 and older are the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, and, by 2030, a quarter of all licensed drivers will be in that age group.
Boomers are expected to live longer with better health overall than their predecessors, meaning more of them will be confident about driving greater distances and clutching their car keys well into their 90s. That's the fear of some traffic safety experts.
Do you think something needs to be down abotu older adults driving? Shoud they have to take a test again ater teh age of 75? what are your thgouths? i see things both ways.
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After 65, they should have to take the test every 8-10 years.
I agree, there should be a test for elderly drivers. Just to see if they still have the ability to drive safely.