I remember so many good memories taking trips across the country with my Grandpa and DJ Grams but now as they are getting older, I forsee their trips becoming less frequent and not so far. My grandparents have come to the realization that they just aren't quite 'the same' as they once were. Unlike my grandparents, there are older adults who are not as acceptable to the changes that old age as brought them, and continue to drive despite these changes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Motor vehicle crash deaths per mile traveled among both men and women begin to increase markedly after age 75 and age-related declines in vision and cognitive functioning, as well as physical changes, may affect some older adults' driving abilities."
As my grandparents and other adults in their age group age, I do feel that their license renewal should be more frequent than the average drivers. Honestly, once a year should be the mandatory renewal for drivers over the age of 65 yo. The exam should be very extensive and should include a vision screening. The vision screening should not only be the "E" chart or the sign chart, but should include functional aspects like a rolling ball or a car in the peripheral vision. The exam should also include a driving test, and not just making 4 right turns around the street, rather an extensive 30 minute drive on a moderately busy route. This will allow the testers, to get the most accurate evaluation of the driver's abilities.
There are many resources available to educate seniors and their loved ones on the best strategies to allow them to maintain their independance safely. AAA has a senior center where there is and educational portion to cut your crash risk in half, find your perfect carfit, and also take an online or classroom driver improvement course.
The AAA senior center website is a great resource and can be accessed here. Another great resource for statistics or older adult drivers is the CDC website
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