Human error is the main factor in two thirds of accidents. Alcohol and some types of medicine such as Valium or antihistamines affect driving ability. There is a clear relationship between mild dementia, driving score and collision or moving violation frequency. Elderly drivers are experienced individuals who rarely drive without a license, speed, drink or disregard the traffic laws. Most older drivers are aware if their ability declines and give up driving after illnesses such as strokes or Parkinson's Disease.
Older people have most accidents making left turns against oncoming traffic.
Some drive around the block rather than making a left turn. AARP clubs do have older driver training sessions including confidence building in older women who are quitting driving prematurely. Capable drivers who consider themselves aces and dart through small spaces or drive faster than the speed limits must remember they will be sharing the roads with more elderly drivers as they too will become later. All rights reserved.