Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury
and death in the United States. In 2012, there were
nearly 36 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in
the United States. The risk of injury or death in a
vehicle crash increases as you age. On this page, find
useful links for driving safety tips and laws and
regulations, from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Several factors put older drivers at risk. These include:
- Vision: As one gets older physiologic changes of vision declines with age. In addition diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts also affect vision while driving.
- Motor Function: As one ages, flexibility and muscle strength can also decline at older ages. Such changes are important for operating a vehicle safely.
- Cognition: As cognitive skills may also change, such as attention, execution skills, visual processing, these can also put an older driver at risk for collision.
Below are resources available to help keep you or your loved one a safe driver:
Older Drivers-Driving Safety,NHTSA
Driving Safety, NHTSA
Tips for Safe Driving, NHTSA
Older Adult Drivers, CDC
Motor Vehicle Home