Most Older Drivers Outlive the Age at Which They Can Drive Safely

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says older drivers typically outlive the age when they are capable of safe driving by seven to 10 years, but more than 80 percent never discuss this with their family or doctor, reports the Washington Post . In 15 percent of cases when this discussion is held, it comes after a crash or traffic infraction. The AAA estimated that in 2016, more than 200,000 drivers older than 65 were injured in crashes and more than 3,500 of them died. "This research shows that older drivers can be hesitant to initiate conversations about their driving capabilities, so it is important that families encourage them to talk early and often about their future behind the wheel," advises AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Executive Director David Yang. "With early discussion and proper planning, older drivers may extend their time on the road." Only 17 percent of older drivers discuss driving issues with their doctor or family, and when they do, the most common reasons are falling asleep at the wheel or trouble staying in a traffic lane. "Despite your best efforts to appropriately handle a conversation about driving, some older adults will respond with anger, denial, or embarrassment," notes AAA Mid-Atlantic's John B. Townsend II. He suggests avoiding unloving words or attitudes, while previous AAA research found older drivers who have stopped driving are almost twice as likely to become depressed and nearly five times as likely to enter a long-term care community as those who remain behind the wheel.