Because elderly persons drive less than younger persons and because they are more cautious, they have fewer collisions. Thus, it is a myth that elderly drivers are responsible for a disproportionate number of motor vehicle collisions. However, per mile driven, elderly drivers have higher rates of traffic violations, collisions, and fatalities than all age groups over age 25. Furthermore, elderly drivers have a higher proportion of collisions at intersections. These findings imply that some elderly drivers have difficulty with driving tasks requiring complex decision making.
Elderly drivers involved in collisions fare worse than younger drivers.
Collisions involving elderly drivers are more likely to include multiple vehicles and to result in serious injuries and fatalities, partially because the elderly have different driving patterns and because they have underlying frailties and comorbid disorders. Role of the Health Care Professional Elderly drivers with important functional deficits or with medical conditions that restrict function may decide to limit or stop driving, or they may continue to drive as usual, denying their limitations. Health care professionals become involved when they detect deficits during a routine examination, when family members seek guidance, or when elderly drivers solicit advice. Health care professionals should try to preserve a patient's autonomy and quality of life, but after evaluating an elderly driver, they may feel obligated to recommend cessation of driving. If any functional deficits are detected or suspected, the health care professional should counsel the elderly driver and family members and discuss issues relevant to the driver's transportation needs.