Why does age affect driving ability?

Age often brings experience and wisdom, but it also brings changes in someone’s physical and mental abilities that can negatively affect their driving skills.

Some of the factors that can make older drivers more dangerous on the road include:

Vision problems

Age-related changes in vision can include reduced visual acuity, difficulty with depth perception, and trouble seeing in low light conditions, all of which can affect driving ability.

Slower reaction times

As people age, their reaction time tends to slow down, making it more difficult to respond quickly to unexpected events on the road.

Physical limitations

Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and other age-related conditions can make it more difficult for older drivers to operate the steering wheel, brake, and gas pedals.

Cognitive declines

Some older adults may experience cognitive decline, which can impact their decision-making ability, attention, and memory, all of which are essential for safe driving.

Medications

Many older adults take medications that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that can impair driving ability.

Inexperience with new technology

Older drivers may be less familiar with newer vehicle technology, such as lane departure warnings or blind-spot monitors, which can impact their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Everybody likes to think that they’re the exception to the rule, even though age eventually affects everybody’s abilities to some extent. Sometimes, older drivers don’t want to hang up their keys and give up that extra level of independence — but that can lead to bad wrecks and serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a crash, find out more about what it takes to get fair compensation.