Beginning in 2011, the first of the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) will reach the age of 65. 2011 also marks the beginning a record numbers of "older" drivers who will be behind the wheel. The Federal Highway Administration reported that in 2008 there were 22 million licensed drivers 70-years-old or older - this number will only increase as Baby Boomers age.
While age isn't necessarily the determinant of when an older driver should stop driving, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that number of property damage liability claims begin to increase at approximately age 65. There are 29 claims per 1,000 insured properties and vehicles at age 65, but by age 85 that number almost doubles, increasing to 56 claims per 1,000 insured properties and vehicles.
Car accidents and property damage claims, while a factor, shouldn't be the only reason why a driver should give up his or her license. Most in America celebrate the drivers' license as a sign of freedom, so-much-so that the sixteenth birthday is one of the most iconic and celebrated milestones of one's life. Giving up one's ability to drive is a very difficult decision to make, as it often signals a loss of freedom.
While we all age numerically at the same rate, the deterioration of our vision, hearing and other physical abilities is very personal. It's the awareness of this deterioration of our own abilities that should be used to determine when it is time to give up the car keys.
Renewal Restrictions
In California, after passing the initial drivers' test to obtain a California license, drivers are no longer required to take a drivers' test and may renew their drivers' licenses, with a few exceptions, over the Internet. After reaching the age of 70, however, drivers must renew their licenses in person and take a written drivers' exam and an eye test as conditions of renewal.
Mature Driver Program
For older drivers that are interested in keeping their driving skills sharp, the California DMV has approved certain driving instructors/schools to offer an eight-hour Mature Driver Improvement Course. The course is available to drivers aged 55 or older that are interested in learning about driving topics that are of special interest to older drivers, including:
- The effects of medication on a driver
- Driving fatigue
- Alcohol's affects on driving
- Affects of limited vision and hearing on driving ability
Many insurance companies offer a discount on insurance premiums to older drivers who successfully complete the course.
Deciding when a driver should give up the keys is a very personal decision to be made by the older driver and his or her family. There is not a set age as to when one should stop driving, but rather one needs to honestly assess his or her own abilities and limitations and come to a decision.
