One in five licensed drivers will be 65 or older by 2025

NTSB Chairperson Debbie Hersman has convened a two-day meeting in Washington, D.C. to address the fact that America”s drivers are aging. Elderly drivers account for nearly 20% of all motorists, and need to be seriously considered as a group.

“The good news is that the number of drivers age 70 and older involved in fatal crashes has decreased in the past decade, by 20 percent, even though the number of licensed drivers in this age group and the miles logged increased,” Hersman said.

The number of drivers aged 70 and older involved in fatal crashes has declined drastically in recent years, even though drivers in this age group are logging more miles behind the wheel. Despite the numbers however, there is major concern due to the fact that in any crash, the elder person is more likely to injured.

The main question for may elder drivers then becomes, at what age is it time to hang up the keys? This is an issue that has to be addressed, as studies show that men drive on average six years longer than it is safe for them to do so, and woman ten years longer.

At least 26 states currently have special provisioning for senior drivers.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News