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Why Are Older Drivers At Risk While On The Road

Vision:
Vision is the primary sense utilized while driving. Adequate vision,
acuity, and field of vision are important for safe driving. These things
tend to decline with age as a result of physical changes and an increase
in diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and
strokes. Glare, impaired contrast sensitivity and an increase in time
to adjust to changes in lightness and darkness are other problems
commonly experienced by older drivers.

Cognition (thought process):
Driving is a complex activity that requires a variety of high-level
cognitive skills including memory, visual processing, attention and
executive skills. Certain medical conditions (such as dementia) and
medications that are common in the older population have an large impact
on cognition.

Motor Function:
Motor abilities such as muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and
proprioception are necessary for operating vehicle controls and turning
to view traffic. Even prior to driving, motor abilities are needed to
enter the car safely and fasten seatbelts. Changes related to age and
musculoskeletal diseases (such as arthritis) can decrease an
individual’s ability to drive safely and comfortably.

Declines in all of the above functions make older drivers vulnerable to
crashes in complex situation that require good visual perception,
attention, and rapid response. As a result, older drivers are more likely
to experience crashes at intersections, especially when a left-hand turn is
required.
From the American Medical Association Web Page: Click here to visit website