Older drivers represent a subset of the driving population that deserves special attention. Aging affects a variety of skills needed for safe driving. In particular, the aging population experiences deterioration in physical, perceptual, and cognitive skills:

Reductions in strength, flexibility, and range of motion caused by arthritis or other conditions can negatively impact driving.

Many visual functions--including static and dynamic visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity--deteriorate with age.

Normative aging most often affects cognitive changes, such as working memory, selective attention, and processing speed.

Many highway design and traffic control elements can be improved to better meet the aging population's physical, perceptual, and cognitive needs. In addition, motor vehicle departments, highway safety offices, medical professionals, and others can collaborate to help older adults extend their safe driving years. Older drivers represent a subset of the driving population that deserves special attention. Aging affects a variety of skills needed for safe driving. In particular, the aging population experiences deterioration in physical, perceptual, and cognitive skills:

--Reductions in strength, flexibility, and range of motion caused by arthritis or other conditions can negatively impact driving.
--Many visual functions--including static and dynamic visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and glare sensitivity--deteriorate with age.
--Normative aging most often affects cognitive changes, such as working memory, selective attention, and processing speed.

Many highway design and traffic control elements can be improved to better meet the aging population's physical, perceptual, and cognitive needs. In addition, motor vehicle departments, highway safety offices, medical professionals, and others can collaborate to help older adults extend their safe driving years.


External Links:

More Information: trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_500v9.pdf