Licensing Procedures and Older Drivers [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15258972013PDFBriefUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesAged driversAccident ratesDriver licensingHighway safetyProceduresStatesVision testsDOT HS 811 839People 65 and older are the fastest growing demographic group in the United States. This is cause for concern given that the youngest and oldest drivers have the highest crash rates per unit of distance traveled, with rates increasing for older drivers beginning around age 70. The driver licensing process provides an opportunity to identify risky older drivers before they are involved in a crash and to intervene to reduce their risk. This study explored licensing processes across the United States and conducted in-depth case studies on four States with novel processes not common nationwide. The project aimed to document benefits and unintended consequences of licensing policies intended to reduce risk for older drivers.129