According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 1999 there were about 18.5 million licensed drivers 70 and older. Many elderly drivers limit the amount of time they spend behind the wheel and avoid driving during inclement weather or after dark. Yet, mile for mile, they still have a higher fatal accident rate than middle-aged drivers. Several aging-related factors may affect an older person s driving skills.
Vision problems increase with age.
Older folks may be more sensitive to glare or bright lights, have troubles focusing or judging distance, and are more likely to experience cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Reaction time decreases and it takes longer for an older driver to make quick defensive driving maneuvers. Medications taken for chronic medical conditions may also affect alertness or reaction time. First, a study participant is asked to draw a face clock showing the numbers one through 12 and hands for a specific time. Then, the participants are asked to take a simulated driving test.