PPA 419 – Aging Services Administration Lecture 10 – Aging and Transportation

Introduction  The prevailing view in our society is that a license to drive represents the freedom to come and go as we please.  This begins with the young, beginning driver and prevails through all ages, including the older driver.

Introduction  The symbolic value is at least as great as its practical value.  For the young, the license is a rite of passage into the adult world of independence. For the older driver, its loss represents the loss of independence and perhaps even the loss of identity.

Introduction  The loss of driving privileges can place a burden not only on the driver, but on the driver’s family.  Loss of driving privileges makes the older person transportation dependent, often on children and grandchildren who were once dependent on the older person.  Can be a difficult and painful role reversal.

Introduction  Older person can become house-bound if no family or formal alternative exists.  Nevertheless, evidence suggests that unsafe driving increases with age and the number of older people in the U.S. is increasing.  The risk of a crash increases for 75 and older, when looking at miles traveled.

Introduction  Problem: The decline in the safety of motor vehicle operation with increasing age is not uniform.  Many older drivers show no decline in skills, some show catastrophic decline, most fall somewhere in between.  Many older drivers are aware of their declining skills and voluntarily limit their driving, by limiting frequency, night- time driving, driving during heavy traffic, or driving complicated or dangerous routes.  Others refuse to acknowledge their decline in skills.

Introduction  State policy responses  Aged-based license renewal with road tests (Illinois, New Hampshire, Indiana.  Vision, knowledge, and skills tests over 75 (Illinois and Indiana).  Other states prohibit reexamination on the basis of age (California, Maryland, Massachusetts).  Other states reduce time between renewals (Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico).  Others impose vision tests or restrict renewal by mail on the basis of age.

Introduction