Rather, problem driving in older adults involves visual, cognitive and motor skills, which may decline with age. When compared with younger drivers, elderly individuals are more likely to be involved in accidents during the day, in good weather, at intersections, close to home and involving two vehicles. In addition, they are more likely to be determined to be at fault by investigating officers. The high fatality rate in the elderly population may be related to diminished physiologic reserve. There is often concomitant chronic medical disease, including cardiovascular, pulmonary and immunologic disorders.
Osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture.
Corrected for severity of injury, elderly patients are five to six times more likely to die of similar injuries than younger drivers. State reporting laws vary regarding potentially unsafe drivers. Some states require physicians to specify conditions such as epilepsy or dementia. All seven states give physicians who report unsafe drivers immunity from litigation. Ten states permit physician reporting, but Ohio and North Dakota do not grant immunity.