Introduction

Driving provides a sense of freedom, independence, and involvement with the world that older people may have taken for granted in earlier adulthood. But the privilege of driving is based on a demonstrated ability to drive safely. Because drivers aged 70 and over are among those at greatest risk of traffic violations and motor vehicle crashes, old age should be viewed as a flashing yellow traffic signal—a warning that driving privileges should be reassessed.

Many factors can diminish the performance of older drivers. Among these factors are aging itself and certain disorders that become more common with aging. Certain drugs that are commonly used to treat medical disorders in older people can also impair driving performance. Some of these factors can be remedied.