Buyers Divided on Driving Restrictions for Older Drivers
Though teenagers have long been considered the riskiest demographic on the road, older drivers are increasingly becoming the subject of scrutiny. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has devoted a webpage, research, and numerous reports to examining issues associated with elderly drivers. Many drivers and new car buyers are increasingly concerned about the topic as well, according to a recent survey administered by BuyingAdvice.com.
While 52% of respondents said that they did not believe older drivers are at greater risk of having a traffic accident than others, yet the same percentage (52%) also stated that there should be stronger restrictions in order for elderly drivers to keep their licenses.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, older drivers do have higher rates of fatal crashes than any other group, except young drivers. This is partly because older individuals are simply less likely to survive a serious injury. The institute predicts that by 2030, people age 65 and older are expected to represent both a quarter of the driving population and a quarter of fatal crash involvements.
As for the debate on stronger restrictions, these laws vary depending on each state and local government. Most states agree on the need for older drivers to recognize their changing abilities and adapt their driving practices accordingly. Insurers are working to create various programs by partnering with groups, such as the American Association of Retired Persons, to help sharpen the skills of this population on the road.
Survey respondents seem to support these efforts and checks on older drivers; almost 70 % voted in favor of requiring older drivers to take an annual test to retain their licenses.
As of 2007, about 15 states mandated more frequent testing for older drivers at license renewal. For example, in Illinois and New Hampshire, those over age 75 must take the road test as part of the renewal process. Some 35 states require drivers to take vision tests at the renewal, regardless of age. Eight states require that older drivers must renew their licenses in person, with age requirements varying from 61-79 years.
When questioned about the appropriate age to re-test older drivers, participants were almost equally divided. The majority, at 31%, indicated age 70 as the ideal age for re-testing for license renewal. 24% of those polled thought drivers should be re-examined annually at age 75, closely followed by 23% who went with age 80. Only 21% of the BuyingAdvice.com readers thought that the lowest age option, age 65, was the appropriate time to mandate annual tests.
Published on Friday, June 20, 2008 - Email to a friend
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