According to the common stereotype, seniors are bad drivers. They drive too slowly, they can’t see what’s in front of them, and they leave their turn signal on for miles at a time. But is there any truth to this stereotype? Are seniors actually bad drivers?

Experience Matters

Seniors have one thing going for them – experience. They’ve been driving for decades, and during that time, they’ve learned a thing or two.

This experience means they know how to anticipate the moves of other drivers. They’ve encountered various problems, from skidding on ice to having a tire blow out, and they know how to respond without overcorrecting or making the situation worse. 

Problems Caused by Old Age

While age brings experience, it also can also bring problems.

As we age, we tend to experience decreased vision and hearing, stiff joints and reduced reaction times, all of which can impact our ability to drive safely. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as getting a new pair of glasses or a hearing aid. Other times, the problem may be harder to fix.

Old age also increases the likelihood of developing various medical issues that can impact driving ability, including diabetes and dementia. The medications used to treat health issues can also have side effects that make driving unsafe, including drowsiness. It’s important to consider how health problems and prescriptions affect one’s ability to drive safely.

Vulnerability to Injuries

When seniors are involved in car collisions – whether or not the collision is their fault – they can experience more serious injuries compared to younger individuals.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a person’s fatal crash risk increases during old age. The change becomes noticeable between the ages of 70 and 74, and the risk is highest for people aged 85 or older. Seniors are more likely to die in crashes because they are more vulnerable to injuries and medical complications.  

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Resources for Senior Drivers

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were more than 40 million licensed drivers aged 65 or older in 2023. Almost 4 million of these drivers were aged 85 or older.